THE wife of a 77-year-old man who died after an incident at their home has been charged with his murder.

Mary Milbank Swinburn, of Tinley Garth, Kirkbymoorside, appeared at Scarborough Magistrates' Court yesterday accused of murdering William Swinburn on Tuesday, October 22, 2002. Mr Swinburn was taken to Scarborough Hospital, where he died on December 12.

Defence solicitor Ian Brickman asked for his 68-year-old client's case to be adjourned for a week.

Mrs Swinburn was bailed to reappear at Scarborough Magistrates Court next Wednesday.

Updated: 10:34 Thursday, March 13, 2003