The man accused of killing Cranebrook’s Cheryl Ardler has formally maintained his innocence.
Dennis French appeared before Penrith Local Court via video link from Kempsey Correctional Centre, where he is currently being held on remand.
His lawyer officially entered a not guilty plea to one count of ‘murder’, and French was committed for trial to the Supreme Court.
French, 40, is accused of killing Ms Ardler in December 2012 and dumping her body in bushland.
He was charged with her murder in April 2019, more than five years after the 41-year-old disappeared from her Cranebrook home.
Ms Ardler was last spotted near a bus stop on Greenhalg Road, Cranebrook in early December 2012.
In 2018, her remains were discovered in bushland near Laycock Street, not far from where she was last seen.
French, who is reported to be Ms Ardler’s former partner, will now face the Supreme Court on July 3 where he will be arraigned and given a trial date.
Alena Higgins
Alena Higgins is the Weekender's Senior News Reporter, primarily covering courts and Council issues.