Murder accused wife of missing Don Banfield 'misled police'

Don Banfield worked as a betting shop manager

A woman misled police about the appearance of her missing husband after killing him for money, a court heard.

Shirley Banfield told police retired bookmaker Don Banfield had shaved off his moustache, his hair was grey and he wore glasses, the Old Bailey was told.

Mr Banfield, 63, was last seen leaving home in Harrow, London, in May 2001.

His wife, 64, and Lynette Banfield, 40, of Ashford Road, Canterbury, Kent, deny murdering Mr Banfield, whose body has not been found.

The pair have pleaded guilty to charges of fraud, forgery and conspiracy to pervert justice.

'Missing' poster

Mr Banfield had recently retired from running the Hampstead branch of William Hill bookmakers when he went missing.

His wife was referred to the Missing Persons Helpline where an age-enhanced image was generated.

Claudia Phelvin, from the helpline, told the court she sent copies of the poster to police and Mrs Banfield.

Mrs Banfield telephoned her and said: "What a good poster. It looks just like him," the jury heard.

Crispin Aylett, QC for the prosecution, told the court the couple's son, Kevin, said the poster looked nothing like his father when he saw the image later.

The trial continues.