The jury in the trial of a man accused of brutally killing 80-year-old Halesowen grandmother Cynthia Beamond were sent home today after being told he was too ill for cross examination.

Leo Barnes of Runcorn Road, Balsall Heath has pleaded not guilty to murdering Cynthia Beamond who lived in Juliet Road, Howley Grange on June 27th last year.

The 33 year old has further denied murdering 67-year-old Phillip Silverstone at his flat in the Belsize Park area of London the following day.

Mr Justice Haddon-Cave told the six man-six woman jury that Barnes was suffering from a stomach problem.

“Unfortunately he is not well enough to leave the cells to continue to give evidence in the trial,” said the Judge.

It was hoped, he added that Barnes would be in a position to return to Wolverhampton Crown Court on Monday Barnes has started giving evidence and he should have faced cross examination today from Mr Stephen Linehan QC who is prosecuting the case.