A BIRMINGHAM man accused of murdering Halesowen widow Cynthia Beamond is to face trial in the New Year.

Leo Barnes is due to appear at Birmingham Crown Court on January 15 and his trial is expected to last for up to five weeks.

Barnes, of Runcorn Road, Balsall Heath, has denied killing Mrs Beamond at her home in Juliet Road, Howley Grange, on June 24.

The grandmother was found dead in the garage at her semi-detached home and a post mortem revealed she died from serious head injuries.

Barnes also pleaded not guilty to murdering Philip Silverstone at his London flat just 24 hours later.

The 67-year-old former market trader was found dead with stab wounds at his home in Belsize Park on June 28.

Barnes, a self-employed father-of-one, spoke only to plead to the two murder charges when he appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court where Judge John Warner further remanded him in custody to await trial.