Pensioner accused of murdering 81-year-old wife

An 81-year-old man is accused of murdering his wife after he allegedly hit her with a pan and strangled her at their home, a court heard.

Brian James has been charged with the murder of Carol James, also 81, who died in Bexleyheath, south-east London, on Friday morning.

Emergency services attended the property on Dunwich Road but Ms James was pronounced dead at the scene.

The cause of death was found to be compression of the neck, the Old Bailey was told.

The defendant was treated in hospital for a head injury before being taken to Lewisham Police Station and charged with murder.

Mr James was not deemed to be in a fit state to attend a hearing before Judge Mark Dennis.

The judge set a plea hearing date for 10 March and remanded Mr James into custody.

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