Connor Chapman, 22, denies murdering Elle Edwards, 26, with ‘Skorpion submachine gun’ in Christmas Eve horror shooting
A MAN is facing trial after he today denied murdering Elle Edwards in a Christmas Eve pub shooting.
Connor Chapman, 22, is accused of blasting the beautician, 26, in the head with a Skorpion submachine gun.
She was was caught up in the crossfire as a stray bullet was fired at the packed Lighthouse Inn, in Wallasey, Merseyside.
Chapman appeared at Liverpool Crown Court where he denied murdering the beautician.
He also pleaded not guilty to two counts of attempted murder and three counts of unlawful and malicious wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm.
Chapman denied possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, relating to a converted Skorpion submachine gun.
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The Czech-made weapon is capable of firing over 850 rounds a minute.
Chapman also pleaded not guilty to possession of ammunition with intent to endanger life, and handling stolen goods, a Mercedes A Class car, between December 22 and 26 last year.
Co-defendant Thomas Waring, 20, denied possession of a Skorpion submachine gun and assisting an offender by helping dispose of the car allegedly used by Chapman after the shooting.
A provisional trial date has been set for June 12 at the same court with a hearing scheduled for May 15.
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The horror unfolded on Christmas Eve as make up artist Elle enjoyed a drink in the outdoor seating area of the Lighthouse Inn.
As the area was peppered with bullets, Elle was tragically blasted in the head.
She was rushed to hospital along with four men but sadly couldn't be saved.
Paying tribute, her dad Tim Edwards said on behalf of the grieving family: “There was no one as beautiful as our Elle May, her looks, her laugh and the way she would light up a room as soon as she walked in.
“She had this way about her that as soon as you met her, you just instantly fell in love with her, everyone that met Elle knew how special she was.”
The statement added: “Her laugh was infectious. Anyone who was around her had a good time, she loved her life and had so many amazing plans for the future.
“She was only just getting started. Christmas and our family will never be the same again without her. She was the glue that held this big family together, from all of us.
“We will love and miss her forever. Our Elle May, the most beautiful and bright star out there, forever and always.”
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