A man who was accused of a murder which took place more than 11 years ago could face trial early next year if he pleads not guilty.
David Newton, 69, of Magazine Close in Wisbech was arrested and charged this week on suspicion of pensioner Una Crown’s murder, which took place on January 13, 2013.
A preliminary hearing took place yesterday at Cambridge Crown Court where a plea and trial preparation was set for Thursday, May 23.
If Newton pleads not guilty, he will face trial on January 6.
Mrs Crown was found dead in her home, also on Magazine Close, her body was set on fire and she had multiple stab wounds to her neck and chest - until a post-mortem examination was carried out, her death was initially treated as unexplained.
Newton was arrested on Monday and was charged on Tuesday, he was held in custody at Thorpe Wood Police Station in Peterborough.
She had not been seen alive since Friday, January 11, two days before her body was discovered, when she was caught on CCTV leaving a supermarket.
Mrs Crown had spoken to a friend over the phone at about 5pm on the Saturday, the day before she was discovered by police.
Last year - 10 years since Mrs Crown’s murder - police offered a£20,000 Crimestoppers reward for information which appeared on national television.
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