Besford murder accused remanded in custody after hearing (From Evesham Journal)

Besford murder accused remanded in custody after hearing

3:48pm Monday 8th February 2010

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AN American charged with the murder of his wife appeared before a judge at Worcester Crown Court for a preliminary hearing earlier today.

Harold Landry, aged 63, of Besford Court Estate, near Pershore, was remanded back into custody after a brief appearance.

He is accused of killing 38-year-old Lucy Landry who was found by a neighbour lying near the couple's luxury home just before midnight on February 1.

She was rushed to hospital but pronounced dead on arrival from multiple stab wounds.

Judge Alistair McCreath ordered Landry to attend court again on April 26, when he will enter his plea to the charge.

The defendant, a retired engineer originally from Louisiana, spoke only to confirm his name in a loud voice.

The prosecution must serve the crown's papers by March 19.

The judge made an order banning the media from naming two child witnessess after an application from Peter Parson, for the Crown Prosecution Service. Their photographs also cannot be shown.

Gary Harper, for Landry, said he would be contesting the murder charge at a jury trial. He made no application for bail.

The judge said the trial could be held at Worcester later this year or it may be moved to another crown court in the Midlands.

Mrs Landry, originally from Wales, and her husband had lived for some years at the four-bedroomed house in a private enclave, dominated by a 16th century manor house.

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