John Heald admits killing but denies murder

MURDER and rape suspect John Heald has pleaded not guilty to all charges, but has admitted killing landlady Bei Carter.

Heald (53), of Foljambe Road, Dalton, claims Mrs Carter’s death was an accident.

Heald’s trial started this morning at Hull Crown Court.

A jury of eight men and four women heard prosecution barrister Mr Graham Reeds QC outline the case, which is due to last for ten days.

Heald is charged with one count of murder and three counts of rape on July 13, 2014, against a woman  from the Sheffield area, who was known to him.

Mr Reeds said the defendant had initially said very little about the killing of Mrs Carter, but he had now revealed more about the facts he relies on in his defence.

“In a signed defence statement, he accepts that he was responsible for the killing,” said Mr Reeds. “However, he claims it to have been an accident.”

Heald was arrested on July 25 in Parkgate after a five day manhunt.

Mr Reeds said Mrs Carter had been upstairs making curtains in the guesthouse when Healed allegedly attacked her.

Her husband was downstairs dealing with online bookings, the court heard.

Mr Reeds said Heald went on the run after the alleged July 13 rape allegations.

The court heard the alleged sex attack victim told police Heald had attacked her when drunk and subjected her to an attack lasting several hours, during which he gagged her and raped her at knifepoint.

The trial continues.