A SUB-POSTMASTER accused of killing his wife will this week be released on bail while tests are carried out on a possible murder weapon.

Robin Garbutt, 45, who denies murder, was due to face trial at Teesside Crown Court next Monday.

But Mr Justice Calvert-Smith yesterday agreed to postpone the trial after the court heard of a potentially significant breakthrough in the case. He agreed to allow more time to complete additional checks on a 58cm metal bar.

It was found near the post office where Diana Garbutt’s body was found in Melsonby, near Richmond, North Yorkshire, on March 23 this year. Mrs Garbutt grew up near Selby then lived in York with her husband, Robin, before they moved to Melsonby. He also approved Garbutt’s release on bail.

Prosecutors said during the pre-trial hearing that the bar was found on top of a high wall near the post office two days after Mrs Garbutt’s death.

However, forensic scientists did not begin testing the potential evidence until last month.

A new trial date will be set on Monday.

Prosecutors have asked for a delay of at least four weeks.

Mr Garbutt, who wore jeans and a white-checked shirt yesterday, has been held on remand since he was charged in April.

He is due to be released from prison within the next 48 hours when paperwork is completed.

Supporters of Mr Garbutt attended court yesterday, with at least one woman visibly upset during the hour-long hearing.

Mrs Garbutt, 40, was found dead in the living quarters of the post office and store she ran with her husband.

A post-mortem examination revealed she had suffered serious head injuries.

North Yorkshire Police initially treated the incident as an armed robbery and about 30 officers were involved in the investigation surrounding her death.

They appealed for information to catch a man wearing a balaclava and carrying a gun, who had made off with a large amount of money.

However, Mr Garbutt was arrested three weeks later.

Mrs Garbutt had grown up in Eggborough before attending Brayton High School and Selby College. Her mother, Agnes Gaylor, runs the Boot And Shoe pub at Gowdall, near Selby.

One social network website said Diana Garbutt had been planning a holiday to the United States at the time of her death and was keen on music, travelling, camping and socialising.

About 300 friends and villagers turned out for her funeral at St James’ Church, in Melsonby.