Wisbech murder trial hears woman 'ran drug store' from her home

Eliza Bibby lived alone in the Fenland town of Wisbech before her death in January

A murder trial has heard that a woman found dead with multiple stab wounds "effectively ran a drug store" from her home.

Eliza Bibby, 47, was found at her home in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, on the morning of 10 January.

Jamie Boughen, 47, of Waterlees Road in the town, denies murder and his trial heard he was "devastated" when he found out about her death.

The prosecution said the defendant was one of those who bought drugs from her.

Outlining the case at Cambridge Crown Court, Claire Matthews, counsel for the prosecution, said Ms Bibby "effectively ran a drug store" selling prescription and controlled drugs from her bungalow on Beechwood Avenue, with the back door usually unlocked.

Cameras captured Mr Boughen leaving his home at 19:11 BST, going to Ms Bibby's, and returning to his shared accommodation at 19:47 on Monday, 9 January.

They then filmed him leaving his home again at 22:42 and heading to Ms Bibby's address, arriving at about 22:45.

He returned again to his home at 23:05, and cameras there showed him putting bleach and water into a bucket after going into the utility room.

Mr Boughen carried out a laundry wash using the bleach he had collected earlier, the prosecution said.

Emergency services were called at 06:16 BST on Tuesday, 10 January after Eliza Bibby's body was discovered by a friend, the court heard

A post-mortem examination revealed Ms Bibby had multiple abrasions and bruising to the head, neck, arms, and legs, one deep stab wound to the neck and three further stab wounds.

A 21cm (8.2in) knife that caused the deep stab wound was recovered on the roof of some garages near Ms Bibby's home, the prosecution said.

Traces of DNA belonging to her and Mr Boughen were found on it.

Mr Boughan said he had known Ms Bibby all his life and in a prepared statement read in court, he said he was "shocked and horrified at being accused".

The trial continues.