Newly-wed accused of murder

A newly-wed has denied attempting to kill his wife of two weeks and murdering a man she was visiting. David Alan Slater will stand trial on the charges in June.

He is accused of killing roofer Kenneth Westwood, pictured, and attempting to kill his new wife Alison Slater in August.

He appeared before Wolverhampton Crown Court yesterday to deny both charges and was told a trial will be held on June 8.

Mr Westwood, aged 50, was pronounced dead on arrival at Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, in the early hours of August 17 following an incident outside his home in Monument Lane, Sedgley.

Slater, aged 55, of Sudeley Gardens, Milking Bank, was arrested shortly afterwards and has been in custody ever since.

Mrs Slater, also 50, received emergency surgery following the incident.

The court heard that a pre-trial review of the case, which Slater must attend, will take place on May 8.

Mr Gurdeep Garcha, defending Slater, made no application for bail and Judge John Warner extended the custody time limit until June 10. It had been due to expire in February.

Yesterday's hearing was attending by Mr Westwood's brother and sister. Mr Westwood had lived in Monument Lane, Sedgley, all his life and was described by family as a "loveable" man.