The body of a woman found strangled in her flat was partly covered by clothing, a court has heard.

Science expert Ian Littley, who was called to assist the police inquiry team, told Chelmsford Crown Court there were charred remains of clothing on the upper portion of Ann Marie Couldridge's right arm.

He added there was also the remains of a pillow and towelling dressing gown on her left arm and parts of a duvet and a bit of newspaper attached to her thigh.

Ian Jarvis, 37, of Second Avenue, Canvey, denies murdering 28-year-old Ann Marie, who was his brother Eric's girlfriend, and setting fire to her flat in Hilton Road, Canvey, between May 11 and 14 last year.

Mr Littley told the jury the pillow beside Ann Marie could not have been there during the fire.

He said: "It probably got there through the movements of firefighters."

Prosecutor Jeremy Gompertz QC, asked: "Then somehow it could have been moved from being over the face of the deceased to some other position?"

Mr Littley replied: "Yes, I believe it was tripped over or lightly kicked."

He told the court there was no melting or scorching damage on any of the defendant's clothing although this did not necessarily mean he was not at the scene.

Earlier the court heard two separate fires had been started in the flat, one in an alcove by the door and one in the upstairs living room where Ann Marie's body was found.

Another expert, Dr Christopher Foster, said both fires had burned for many hours before being extinguished.

He said: "It was apparent there was less fuel in the fire in the alcove and it may have been started later than the one upstairs because of the relevant amount of material. It was still burning when the fire brigade arrived."

The trial continues.

Published Thursday October 24, 2002

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