Elswick woman charged with murder of John Hardy to appear at Newcastle Crown Court on Friday
by Daniel Hall · ChronicleLiveThe woman who is accused of killing popular pensioner John Hardy will appear at Newcastle Crown Court on Friday.
The 68-year-old, who was known to locals a 'Limpy John' died after an alleged attack at a home on Sceptre Place, in Elswick, Newcastle, on Monday evening. Police say he suffered injuries "consistent with being caused by a bladed article".
Brenda Heslop, 62, also of Sceptre Place, appeared at South East Northumberland Magistrates' Court in Bedlington on Wednesday charged with murder.
Her case has been sent to Newcastle Crown Court with the next hearing on Friday, November 15, for a bail application. A plea and trial preparation hearing has been scheduled for Thursday, December 12.
Det Insp Mark Atherton, of Northumbria Police's Major Investigation Team, said: "Our thoughts continue to be with John’s family at this extremely difficult time. We will offer them all of the support we can as they attempt to process the events of the past couple of days.
"A suspect has now been charged to appear in court and I’d ask that everyone avoid speculation – both online and in the community- and respect the active legal proceedings. Thank you to all of those who have so far provided information towards our investigation.
"If you have details which could assist us, then please get in touch."
Northumbria Police encouraged anyone with information to contact them by sending the Force a direct message on social media, using the live chat on the Force website or by going to here. Members of the public can also provide information through the online Public Portal.
For those unable to contact the Force via those ways, call 101. People should quote log number NP-20241111-0911.
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