Paul Norfolk, 77, found dead next to carer, inquest told

Bunthawee Rimmer, of Haverhill, entered no plea when she appeared before magistrates

The body of a 77-year-old man was found in a bed next to an unconscious 49-year-old carer charged with murdering him, an inquest has been told.

Married Paul Norfolk died from head injuries at his home in Castle Lane, Haverhill, Suffolk, on 30 December.

The inquest, held in Bury St Edmunds, heard Bunthawee Rimmer was "unconscious but breathing" when found by police.

She has been charged with the murder of Mr Norfolk and is due to enter a plea at Ipswich Crown Court on 16 March.

Head injuries

Mr Norfolk's brother, Peter, contacted police after raising concerns for his welfare, the inquest was told.

In a statement read out at the inquest, Det Con Mark Horsburgh said police forced entry into the house.

"On entering the house they found the body of a male in a bed in an upstairs room," he said.

"He had clearly visible head injuries. A female laying parallel to the deceased was wrapped in a duvet and blood staining was evident on a pillow adjacent to her head.

"Although unconscious, she was breathing and was taken by ambulance to Addenbrooke's Hospital, in Cambridge."

The inquest was told a hammer and "a number of kitchen knives" were found in the room.

The woman was later identified as Ms Rimmer, of Castle Lane, Haverhill, the inquest was told.

Post-mortem tests showed Mr Norfolk died from head injuries caused by a "blunt object".

Coroner Dr Peter Dean adjourned the full inquest until a later date.