86-year-old denies murdering wife in Essex care home

Rita King, 81, was shot dead at a care home in Walton-on-the-Naze in Essex in December 2015. Credit: De La Mer House

A pensioner has denied murder after allegedly shooting dead his wife at a care home at Walton-on-the-Naze in Essex.

Ronald King, 86, was charged with murder after Rita King, 81, was killed at De La Mer House in Naze Park Road on December 28.

King, of Cedar Close, Walton-on-the-Naze, appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court where he pleaded not guilty.

Care home staff said Mrs King was suffering from dementia at the time.

The hearing was delayed after Judge Charles Gratwicke heard King, who has one arm and limited mobility, could not be brought from the cells as he was in a wheelchair and there was no appropriate lift access.

Ronald King arriving at a previous court appearance. Credit: Eastnews Press Agency

There was a short delay before the hearing took place in an overspill court in the magistrates' court building across the road.

King was transported across the road in a prison van.

Wearing a grey and orange fleece top, he looked frail as he entered the dock escorted by two prison guards.

Rita King, 81, was shot dead at a care home in Walton-on-the-Naze in Essex in December 2015. Credit: ITV News Anglia

Click below to watch a report from ITV News Anglia's Liz Summers