A man has denied manslaughter after a woman died attending a slapping therapy workshop at a country hotel.
Danielle Carr-Gomm, 71, is understood to have been taking part in paida lajin therapy, when participants are slapped or slap themselves repeatedly.
Hongchi Xiao, of Cloudbreak, California, entered a not guilty plea at Winchester crown court. He was charged in November after having been extradited from Australia.
Jessica Clarke, defending, said: “The deceased was an avid follower and ran her own courses of the practice.”
Mrs Carr-Gomm, of Lewes, East Sussex, died at Cleeve House in Seend, Wiltshire, on October 20, 2016. Speaking after her death, her son Matthew Carr-Gomm said: “She was always keen to try alternative methods of dealing with diabetes.”
Obsessed mum accused neighbour of running brothel and threatened to kill herJudge Timothy Mousley KC set a trial date of June 26, and a further hearing on February 8. He told the defendant: “You will remain in custody.”