Braunton woman accused of murder denies stabbing husband of 35 years to death in Devon

• Police investigate at the couple's home in Braunton

A woman has pleaded not guilty to murdering her husband of 35 years.

Christine Rawle, 69, is accused of stabbing Ian Rawle to death at their home in the village of Braunton, north Devon in August last year.

She appeared before Truro Crown Court on Friday and pleaded not guilty to a single charge of murder.

She was initially due to stand trial in February - but this will no longer take place due to delays, the court heard.

A new date for the trial, expected to last for three to four weeks, has not yet been set.

Judge Robert Linford told Rawle: “Mrs Rawle, you will remain in custody until further order.

"We will identify a trial date very soon.”

Devon and Cornwall Police were called to the couple's house by ambulance staff at 2.35pm on Sunday 21 August.

Mr Rawle had been stabbed and was pronounced dead at the scene.

A post-mortem examination found he had died from a single stab wound to his upper back.

During a hearing at Exeter Magistrates' Court on Wednesday (24 August), prosecutor Bill Khan said Mr Rawle was pronounced dead at the scene at 3.16pm.

During the brief hearing, Rawle appeared on the dock wearing jeans and a white T-shirt.

She did not enter a plea and spoke only to confirm her name, address and date of birth.

Rawle is due to appear at Exeter Crown Court on Thursday (25 August) for a bail hearing and a plea and case management hearing is listed for 22 September.

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