A solicitor told how he was fooled by a woman who disguised herself as an elderly spinster as part of a £1.8 million will fraud.

On the three occasions Mark Goodson saw Annette Russill, 64, he never doubted she was 83-year-old Annie Kay, Basildon Crown Court heard yesterday.

Earlier the jury had been told how widow Russill, of Leicester Avenue, Rochford, wore baggy clothes, a wig and a hat to make herself look older.

She admits impersonating Annie Kay in order to gain a share of her will.

Russill's daughter Annette Spillman, 46, of Guildford Road, Southend, has also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud beneficiaries of Miss Kay's estate.

Spillman's estranged husband David, 44, of St Andrew's Road, Shoebury, denies involvement.

Mr Goodson, a probate practitioner, told how he was called to Miss Kay's home in Dawlish Drive, Leigh, in February 1997 to go over changes to her will.

He saw her on two further occasions that month. The final meeting was at Annette Spillman's home.

Weeks later Mr Goodson received a telephone call. He said: "Mrs Spillman said 'We've lost Annie'. I obviously expressed my condolences and asked when the funeral was. I was told it had already been held."

The trial continues.

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