Man charged with murdering Dudley mother-of-seven in 1998 appears in court

Trevor Dunkley, 66, is expected to enter a plea to the charge of murdering Patricia Lashley at Wolverhampton Crown Court in September.

Ms Lashley, who was known locally as Pat or Jade, was last seen near her home in Hall Street, Dudley, in September 1998, West Midlands Police said.

She is known to have had links to London, Wales, Newcastle and Scotland and also used the names Vanessa and Tricia, as well as the surname Bradford.

Appearing at Wolverhampton Crown Court by video-link from HMP Birmingham on Monday, Dunkley, who police believe knew Ms Lashley, was told by Judge Michael Chambers KC he would be expected to plead guilty or not guilty at a hearing on September 11.

Dunkley, who sat with his arms crossed behind a table and wore a dark grey jumper and light grey tracksuit bottoms, spoke only to confirm his name and that he could hear Judge Chambers.

Addressing Dunkley at the end of the hearing, the judge said: “Your case is being adjourned to a plea and trial preparation hearing in which you will be asked if you plead guilty or not guilty.

“You have an absolute right to a trial. In the meantime, you must remain in custody.”

West Midlands Police say Ms Lashley moved to Dudley in the mid-1990s and frequently visited the No Limits club and other pubs in the area.

Detectives who say they are trying to build a “clearer picture” of Ms Lashley’s life are urging anyone who knew her or Dunkley to come forward with information by calling 101 quoting log 3984 of July 7.