ONE of the women charged with the murder of 60-year-old businesswoman Sadie Hartley collapsed to the floor when she appeared before a judge for the first time.

Katrina Walsh, 55, of Hare Lane, Chester, appeared at Preston Crown Court via video link for the first time alongside co-accused Sarah Williams this afternoon.

Seconds in to the appearance she could be heard to be breathing heavily and a loud thud was heard. 

Before the link was cut a prison officer could be heard to say: "We're currently getting our nurse out to see her. She's on the floor at the moment."

 

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Judge Mark Brown decided that the hearing would continue in Walsh's absence and instructed defence barrister Mark Stuart to relay a summary to her.

Mother-of-two Ms Hartley was found dead at her house in Sunny Bank Road, Helmshore, on January 15. A post mortem revealed she had multiple stab wounds.

Prosecutor Francis McEnte said the prosecution would rely on CCTV evidence, Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology, mobile phone pinpointing and forensics.

He said: "There's a broad range of evidence in this case the Crown will rely on. 

"It is our case this was a meticulously planned, ruthlessly executed murder."

Mr Stuart said his client was not present at the time of the murder and argued that it was not a joint enterprise.

Neither women entered pleas.

Williams, 34, of Blacon, Chester, only spoke to confirm her name and that she could hear and understood the proceedings.

Both women will appear at  Preston Crown Court for a plea and case management hearing in May.

A trial will take place before Justice Turner on July 4.

The prosecution has until March 10 to serve the bulk of its case, although more evidence is expected later.

The defence statements must be in by April 7.