Jury sworn in for murder trial of Northampton man accused of killing estranged wife
Michael Thompson is accused of raping and murdering Kimberley Thompson
The jury has been sworn in for the trial of a Northampton man accused of raping and murdering his estranged wife.
Michael Thompson, 55, of West Rise, Northampton is accused of killing Kimberley Thompson, 43, in August last year. The mother of two was found dead at her home in Pinewood Road, Northampton on August 9.
Thompson is charged with murder, rape and two counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice. He is accused of manufacturing text messages from Kimberley Thompson and trying to make her death look like a suicide.
The trial is taking place at Nottingham Crown Court and the jury of seven women and five men was sworn in by Judge Nirmal Shant this afternoon.
It is expected there will be legal arguments tomorrow and prosecutor Miranda Moore KC will begin her opening statements on Tuesday after the bank holiday.
Thompson, who previously pleaded not guilty to the charges, sat in the dock dressed in a grey suit, white shirt and black tie. He will be defended by Jonas Hankin KC.
The crown court trial is expected to last for five weeks.