A FINANCIAL adviser from Worcester will today appear at Chester Crown Court accused of murdering a pensioner and stealing her money.
Peter Crittenden, of Beech Avenue, Barbourne, denies smothering 71-year-old spinster, Joan Beddeson, with a pillow at her home in Macclesfield, Cheshire, in December 2002.
Crittenden, aged 64, also denies stealing £279,000 from Miss Beddeson between March and December 2001.
The jury will be sworn in on Thursday, May 13. Legal matters will be discussed for the next few days.
The trial, which is scheduled to last six weeks, will be presided over by the Recorder of Chester, Judge Elgan Edwards.
Miss Beddeson, who neighbours said kept herself to herself, was found dead at the detached bungalow where she lived alone.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article