Homeless man denies Melbourne park killing

A homeless man has pleaded not guilty to the murder of a young woman who was found dead in an inner-Melbourne park.

Henry Hammond, 27, is facing one count of murder after the body of 25-year-old Courtney Herron was found in Royal Park in May.

He pleaded not guilty to the killing on Wednesday at Melbourne Magistrates Court and was committed to stand trial at the Victorian Supreme Court in January.

Ms Herron was found dead by dog walkers in Royal Park at Parkville on May 25, with injuries described by police as "horrendous".

She had been couch surfing and sleeping rough while struggling with drug and mental health issues at the time of her death.

Ms Herron was also homeless.