THE estranged husband of a former York schoolgirl who became a millionairess is to go on trial charged with her murder.
The body of 46-year-old Joanna Brown was found in woodland in Berkshire last November, two weeks after police launched a murder probe.
Robert Brown, 46, denied murder and obstructing a coroner from holding an inquest when he appeared at St Albans Crown Court and his trial, which is expected to last three weeks, will start in May.
He has been remanded in custody.
Mother-of-two Mrs Brown, who attended the former York College for Girls, was the daughter of Christopher Simpson, a York builder and property developer, who lived in Badger Hill.
The couple’s marital home, Tun Cottage, which is worth about £3 million, was run as an award-winning bed and breakfast by Mrs Brown after they separated. They were going through divorce proceedings when she disappeared.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article