Man denies murder of Halesowen pensioner Cynthia Beamond
A man has denied murdering Halesowen pensioner Cynthia Beamond and another man who lived 120 miles away on successive days.
The body of Mrs Beamond, 80, was discovered hidden inside her semi-detached home in Juliet Road, Halesowen three days after she had been reported missing.
A post mortem examination concluded that the widow, who has two daughters, died from head injuries. Her T-registration Vauxhall Astra was discovered abandoned in Birmingham
Leo Barnes, aged 32, from Runcorn Road, Balsall Heath pleaded not guilty to both murdering her on June 27 and murdering Philip Silverstone aged 67 the following day. The latter's body was found at his home in Belsize Park, North West London.
Barnes was remanded in custody by Judge John Warner sitting at Wolverhampton Crown Court until a further administrative hearing scheduled for Friday November 28.
He is currently due to stand trial at Birmingham Crown Court on January 15 in a hearing that could last up to five weeks.
