THE murder trial of the man accused of killing Elle Edwards is expected to start later today (Monday, June 12).

Elle, a 26-year-old beautician, was fatally shot outside The Lighthouse in Wallasey just before midnight on Christmas Eve, but is not believed to have been the intended target of the attack, which left four men injured.

Ms Edwards was laid to rest at St Nicholas church on Wednesday, January 25.

Wirral Globe: Elle's funeralElle's funeral (Image: PA)

Conor Chapman, 23, was charged with the murder of Ms Edwards in January and pleaded not guilty on April 6 when he appeared before Liverpool Crown Court via video link from HMP Manchester.

Chapman is also charged with possessing a Skorpion submachine gun and 9mm short 0.380 auto/acp calibre ammunition.

Wirral Globe: Elle would've been 27 last monthElle would've been 27 last month (Image: Merseyside Police)

As well the murder of Ms Edwards, Chapman, of Houghton Road, Woodchurch, is charged with the attempted murder of Jake Duffy and Kieran Salkeld, and the unlawful and malicious wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm of Harry Loughran, Nicholas Speed and Liam Carr.

He was also charged with handling stolen goods, a Mercedes A Class car, between December 22 and 26 last year.

Due to appear alongside Chapman in the dock is 20-year-old Thomas Waring, of Private Drive in Barnston, who denies possession of a prohibited weapon and assisting an offender in relation to Ms Edwards' murder.

He has also pleaded not guilty to all charges. 

The trial, at Liverpool Crown Court, is expected to last three to four weeks and is listed to begin at 2pm this afternoon before Mr Justice Goose.