"Today at Bradford Crown Court,
Birtle pleaded not guilty to three charges,
while his legal representation explained he may be 'unfit' to stand trial
due to his psychiatric state.
He denied the intentional strangulation of Miss Gawith,
assault occasioning actual bodily harm on her
and the theft of her mobile phone.
All offences are said to have occurred at their home
a month before the fatal blaze.
Birtle was supported in court by three family members,
who sat in the public gallery for the ten minute hearing.
He had hoped the prosecution would be dropped as a result of his loss,
but he was told the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) intends to proceed.
Birtle has also requested that his ankle tag is removed and his bail conditions amended,
because the funerals for his children will be held next week."
