A MAN poisoned a couple in West Mersea before re-writing their will, a murder trial has heard. 

Luke D’Wit, of Churchfields, West Mersea, is accused of murdering Carol and Stephen Baxter at their home in West Mersea on Good Friday last year by replacing their medication with lethal doses of Fentanyl, which is a type of painkiller, and Promethazine, which is a type of anti-histamine.

The court heard how D,Wit, 34, had become “like an adopted son” to Mrs Baxter, who was 64, and Mr Baxter who was 61, after coming involved in their shower mat business in around 2013.

Gazette: Will - D'Wit is accused of re-writing the Baxters' will the day after they were found deadWill - D'Wit is accused of re-writing the Baxters' will the day after they were found dead (Image: Newsquest)

Mr and Mrs Baxter together ran Cazsplash, a manufacturer of bath and shower mats which had become a highly profitable business.

D’Wit, who appeared in Chelmsford Crown Court sitting in a wheelchair, had first become known to the Baxters in 2013 when the couple needed help with IT expertise for their business.

The court heard how D’Wit had become a close friend, and said in a police interview “he was probably Carol Baxter's closest friend” and “was like an adopted son to both of them.”

But the prosecution allege that the day after the Baxters’ death on Easter Sunday last year, D’Wit had created a will under the name of a fake solicitor called Martin Ellison.

In the will, D’Wit who was to become “the director and person of significant control”.

Tracy Ayling KC, prosecuting, read out an extract of what she called the "fake will" to the court.

Gazette: Shocking - Stephen and Carol Baxter were found by their daughter on Easter Sunday last yaerShocking - Stephen and Carol Baxter were found by their daughter on Easter Sunday last yaer (Image: Northumbria Police via Newsquest)

It read: “Cazplash is to continue trading in whichever way is planned.

“Cazplash is to continue trading in whichever way is planned.

"Our daughter, Ellie Baxter, is to be the 100 per cent shareholder and complete owner – there is no financial gain to this.

“Our dear friend, Luke D’Wit, is to be the director and person of significant control.

“Our business making decisions are down to him apart, from and agreed and respected wage – there is no financial gain to this.”

The trial, which is due to last six weeks, continues.