A man has denied murdering his girlfriend outside the animal sanctuary where she worked.

Laura Davies, 21, died after she was stabbed multiple times outside the Essex Horse and Pony Protection Society, in Pitsea Hall Lane, Pitsea, on July 3.

Her boyfriend Jordan Taylor, 22, from Basildon, appeared in Chelmsford Crown Court via a video link from prison yesterday charged with her murder.

Wearing a checked shirt and a Catholic prayer necklace, he spoke only to confirm his name and to deny the murder charge.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on January 4 for the twoweek trial.

Tributes have been paid to animal lover Miss Davies, who would have celebrated her 22nd birthday last Thursday.

She worked as a stable groom having joined the sanctuary as an apprentice in January 2013.

Sue Allery, manager of Essex Horse and Pony Protection Society, posted on the sanctuary’s Facebook page: “As the sun starts its descent on another day we would like to take this opportunity to remember our dear colleague and friend, Laura Davies on what would have been her 22nd birthday.

“Not a day passes by without her in our hearts and memories.

We miss her so very much.

“Rest in peace little angel and continue to watch over us all with your warm smile and that golden