An 83-year-old north Essex man charged with murdering his wife has been committed to crown court.

Leslie Parsons, of Frost Farm Cottages, Golden Lane, Thorpe-le-Soken, appeared before Colchester magistrates yesterday (Thursday).

The pensioner was released on conditional bail and committed to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on July 10.

Parsons, who walked to the dock using a stick, stared straight ahead as the charges of murder, possessing a firearm and possessing ammunition were read out.

He was charged in March two months after the death of his 87-year-old wife Dorothy from gunshot wounds on January 8.

Mrs Parson's body was found after police were called to the quiet village on the morning of January 9.

They also discovered Parsons had been shot but was still alive.

He was airlifted by the Essex Air Ambulance to Oldchurch Hospital in Romford and was treated for gunshot wounds.

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