Stafford woman was filmed 'alive and well' on CCTV six days before body was found, court told
The man accused of murdering a Stafford woman found with severe injuries has declined to give evidence in the witness box.
Wayne Bond, aged 44, is standing trial at Stafford Crown Court charged with the murder of Rebecca Simkin, aged 31, whose decomposed body was found in the living room of a Newport Road flat in Stafford between July 24 and 26 last year.
In her closing speech on Monday barrister Miss Sally Howes KC, prosecuting, said the victim was "alive and well" on July 23 when she was captured on CCTV "moving freely, walking, running, cycling and riding on her bicycle" in the town centre. She was also filmed talking to Pc Daniel Horton and at the time she was uninjured.
Miss Howes told the jury: "Rebecca Simkin was alive and well and uninjured. And when she entered Eagle House at 9.16pm she was also alive and well when she entered the flat.
"That is the last time that she is seen alive. There is unchallenged evidence flowing out of all the CCTV footage. Between her entering the flats and the discovery of her dead body she did not leave and was never seen alive again.
"She did not die of natural causes.
"Wayne Bond stated to the police that he was the last person to see her alive He stated that he did not murder her and was not responsible for any injuries that she sustained. He did not give an account of the circumstances or events leading to the death of Rebecca Simkin during the trial."
The jury heard that Miss Simkin suffered a significant injuries to her head and face including to he nose, mouth and jaw, along with neck injuries, and a large fracture described as being compatible with a "heavy blow". Miss Howes said there was no pathology evidence that this fracture was caused by a fall. She also said the body had signs of bruising to the arms, legs and back.
In her directions to the jury judge Kristina Montgomery KC said the defendant had exercised his right not to give evidence under oath in the witness box which had consequences for him, but she said he had given an account to Staffordshire Police although it had not been tested under cross-examination.
Miss Simkin was found after officers were called to the sheltered accommodation in Newport Road on July 29 following reports that a woman had died.
The jury previously heard that a toxicology report had shown evidence of MDPHP commonly known as monkey dust, and crack cocaine at low levels having been taken prior to her death.
Bond, of Newport Road, Stafford, denies murder.
The trial continues.
