Stowmarket ex-councillor in court on wife murder charge

A former UKIP councillor and retired Royal Marine accused of murdering his wife at their Stowmarket home will stand trial in July.

Stephen Searle, 64, is charged with killing Jessie Ann Searle at an address in The Brickfields in December.

He appeared at Ipswich Crown Court today via a video link from the prison where he is being held on remand.

Judge Martyn Levett confirmed that Searle's trial, which is expected to last for up to six and a half days, will begin on July 9.

Police and paramedics who were called to the couple's home found the body of Mrs Searle a mother of three, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Judge Levett told Searle that he will remain in custody until his next court appearance.