A couple are accused of conspiracy to defraud the £1.8 million will of a Southend widow.
Unemployed lorry driver David Spillman and his wife Annette deny the charge which is related to the will of 87-year-old Annie Kay, of Dawlish Drive, Leigh.
Mrs Spillman, 46, of Guildford Road, Southend, has also pleaded not guilty to the theft of £2,120 drawn from the will.
Yesterday, David Spillman, 44, from St Andrew's Road, Shoebury, sat apart from his wife in the dock at Basildon Crown Court when a trial jury was sworn in.
Martyn Levett, prosecuting, said he would open the Crown's case today.
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