A MURDER trial is due to begin next week after a woman was stabbed to death by her daughter in Worcester.

The trial of Jessica Crane is expected to begin a week today (Monday) after a mention hearing was held at Worcester Crown Court this morning. This was an administrative hearing by the court to see whether the trial can proceed as planned.

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As previously reported, Crane, 50, of Hillside Close, Worcester accepts that she stabbed her mother but denies she intended to kill her.

Crane entered a not guilty plea to murder in September last year at a plea and trial preparation hearing following the death of 69-year-old Janet Mason on March 9 last year.

Richard Atkins QC, prosecuting told Judge James Burbidge QC that the case was 'trial ready'. Nicholas Berry appeared on behalf of the defence. If the trial begins as anticipated on Monday, a jury will first be sworn, individual members taking either the oath or making an affirmation, and the case can then be opened by the prosecution.

We reported at the plea and trial preparation hearing last September how the murder charge was first put to Crane.

Wearing a white t-shirt and a black cardigan, she appeared in the dock with five other people, including dock officers. The defendant was asked to stand before the clerk asked her: "Are you Jessica Crane?"

She replied: "I am, yes."

"You are charged on this indictment with one count of murder" the clerk told her before asking Crane whether she pleaded guilty or not guilty. "Not guilty" she replied.

Mr Atkins said on the last occasion: "I don't think there's any issue she stabbed her mother. The issue will be what led that to happen."

The trial is expected to last two weeks.

Judge Burbidge, who previously described the case as an ‘internal family issue’, asked for a summary of the issues in the case and added: “There is no contest that it was your client who caused the death?”

Mr Berry answered ‘no’.

The trial is expected to proceed on Monday, January 31.

Crane remains in custody.