Man, 92, to go on trial for 1967 rape and murder case

Court sketch of Ryland Headley who has receding white hair and facial hair and is wearing a brown jacket.Image source, PA Media
Image caption,

Ryland Headley appeared via video link at Bristol Magistrates' Court on Wednesday

  • Published

A 92-year-old man will go on trial next year after being charged with the rape and murder of an elderly woman 57 years ago.

Louisa Dunne, 75, was found strangled on her living room floor by a neighbour on Brittania Road in Easton, Bristol, on 28 June 1967.

Ryland Headley, of Clarence Road, Ipswich, was charged by Avon and Somerset Police on Wednesday, following a further forensic examination of some items.

His trial, on 16 June, will take place before a High Court judge and is expected to last up to three weeks.

Image source, Avon & Somerset Police
Image caption,

Louisa Dunne was found dead in her home in 1967

Mr Headley, who was remanded into custody, is accused of the rape and murder of Ms Dunne on dates between June 26 and 29 1967.

A plea and trial preparation hearing was fixed for 14 February.

No application for bail was made.

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