A PENYFFORDD man charged with murdering his wife in a hammer attack at their home will go on trial in May.
John Barry Garner appeared at a plea hearing at Mold Crown Court today via a live television link from Altcourse Prison in Liverpool.
He formally entered a not guilty plea to a charge of murdering Teresa Garner, 46, in the bathroom of their home at Llys Dewi, Penyffordd near Holywell on October 24 last year.
Garner, 51, said nothing during the 12 minute hearing apart from confirming his identity and entering his plea.
Prosecuting barrister John Philpotts said that it was the defendant's second crown court appearance.
A provisional trial date had already been fixed for May 7 and that was confirmed by Judge Rhys Rowlands, who will be the trial judge.
Gordon Cole, QC, defending, said that the trial was expected to last up to two weeks.
He confirmed that the issue would be one of loss of control and lack of intent.
The custody time limits were extended by agreement to cover the trial date.
Judge Rowlands told the defendant: "The case remains in for trial as before at this court to commence on Tuesday May 7. You will remain in custody in the meantime."
An inquest opening earlier heard that a post mortem examination concluded that Mrs Garner suffered severe head injuries said to be consistent with multiple hammer blows.
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