A woman accused of murdering an army veteran in Andover has chosen not to give evidence in court.
Winter Swan-Miller is on trial at Winchester Crown Court charged with the murder of Stuart Maxwell Crocker.
The 62-year-old was found dead at The Signals, in New Street, Andover, on June 28, last year.
Police investigations found that Mr Crocker might have been killed in the early hours of June 23, but was only discovered five days later when a neighbour phoned 999 concerned for his welfare.
READ MORE:
- Evidence found of blood being cleaned, forensic scientist tells murder trial
- Veteran suffered 27 'sharp wounds' across his body, pathologist tells murder trial
- Chilling bloodstained notes detail alleged motive in Andover murder
- Murder accused 'killed veteran in self-defence', court hears
Edward Jones, of Lancaster Avenue, is a co-defendant in the case for allegedly providing accommodation and social media access for Swan-Miller on June 23, 2023.
The trial has entered its seventh week with the prosecution counsels concluding their presentation of evidence on Monday, July 1.
The jurors heard on Monday that co-defendant Jones first met Swan-Miller on June 23 and the two spent time together during the following one week.
The prosecution also showed thumbnails of images retrieved from Jones’ phone that showed a total of 178 photos with Swan-Miller.
The court also heard that Jones had visited Swan-Miller’s TikTok account on his phone.
The jurors also heard Swan-Miller’s bad character evidence from the prosecution as they provided details of her involvement in past incidents including an assault case in 2008 and possession of knives and a sword in February 2023.
When the prosecution concluded their evidence presentation, the jurors were sent to their chamber for lunch break with the assumption that they would hear from Swan-Miller in the afternoon with defence counsel Gurdeep Garcha KC beginning his case.
SEE ALSO: Live: Winter Swan-Miller stands trial accused of Andover murder
However, when the court resumed in the afternoon, Mr Garcha informed the judge and the jurors that Swan-Miller will not be giving evidence.
The judge reminded that this would be her chance to give her evidence. Mr Garcha confirmed that Swan-Miller has been given advice on her opportunity to give evidence, but she has chosen not to do so.
Swan-Miller denies the charge of murder and the trial continues.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article