A 47-year-old man has formally denied murdering a woman who was fatally stabbed at an off-licence in Bootle earlier this year. The plea was entered during a hearing at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday.
Nimalarajah Mathiyadaranam is accused of the murder of 44-year-old Nilani Nimalarajah. The mother-of-three died in hospital on June 20 following an incident at a shop on Stanley Road.
Key Takeaways
- Nimalarajah Mathiyadaranam, 47, pleaded not guilty to murder and possession of a bladed article.
- The victim, Nilani Nimalarajah, 44, died from stab wounds to the chest.
- The incident occurred at the Low Cost Food and Wine shop in Bootle on Friday, June 20.
- A further case management hearing is scheduled for October 13 to progress the case towards a trial.
Court Appearance Details
Appearing at Liverpool Crown Court via video link from HMP Liverpool, Nimalarajah Mathiyadaranam entered his plea before the court. Dressed in a grey jumper and wearing glasses, he was assisted by a Tamil translator throughout the proceedings.
He formally pleaded not guilty to two charges: the murder of Nilani Nimalarajah and the possession of a bladed article in a public place. The charges relate to an incident that took place on June 20.
The court scheduled a further case management hearing for October 13. This hearing will address the next steps in the legal process, with a trial date expected to be set in due course.
Legal Process Explained
A plea and trial preparation hearing is a formal stage where a defendant enters a plea of guilty or not guilty. If a not guilty plea is entered, the court then manages the case towards a full trial, setting timelines for evidence and scheduling future hearings.
The Incident on Stanley Road
Merseyside Police were called to the Low Cost Food and Wine shop, located near the junction with Wadham Road in Bootle, shortly after 5:05 pm on Friday, June 20. Reports indicated a domestic incident had occurred at the premises.
Upon arrival, officers discovered Ms. Nimalarajah with serious injuries. She was immediately transported to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment.
Despite the efforts of medical staff, she was pronounced dead a short time later. A subsequent Home Office post-mortem examination determined the cause of death was stab wounds to the chest.
Timeline of Events: June 20
- 5:05 PM: Merseyside Police receive a report of a domestic incident at a shop on Stanley Road.
- Shortly after: Officers arrive and find a 44-year-old woman with stab wounds.
- Evening: The victim is pronounced dead in hospital after being transported for treatment.
Community in Shock
In the days following the incident, the Bootle community expressed its shock and sadness. The shutters of the off-licence were covered with dozens of floral bouquets and messages left in tribute to Ms. Nimalarajah.
One local resident described her disbelief to reporters at the time. "I can't believe it, I’m in shock to be honest. I shop there all the time," she said. "She's a lovely woman. She's always friendly when I’ve been in there."
The neighbour added that the victim was always helpful. "If I tell her she doesn't have something in, she'll go out of her way to get what I need in." Another resident simply stated, "It's really sad. It's hard going when it's right on your doorstep."
Remembering Nilani Nimalarajah
Nilani Nimalarajah, a mother to three children, was described by those who knew her as a dedicated and kind individual. She had been working at the Low Cost Food and Wine shop for approximately 18 months before her death.
A week after the incident, when the shop reopened, a colleague paid a moving tribute to her. Raj Mathiyaparanam spoke of her importance to the local area.
"She was such a hard worker and a good lady. She was lovely. She was the centre of the community. People have said they miss her and can't believe she's not here. She was a big part of this society."
He also highlighted her commitment to her family, adding, "She was so hard working and would look after her children so well." The tributes from customers and colleagues paint a picture of a woman who was a valued and integral part of her community.