THE jury for the trial of Worcester financial adviser Peter Crittenden, who is accused of murdering a pensioner and stealing her money, was due to be sworn in today at Chester Crown Court.

Sixty-four-year-old Crittenden, of Beech Avenue, Barbourne, denies murdering 71-year-old Joan Beddeson at her home in Macclesfield, Cheshire, in December, 2002.

He also denies stealing £279,000 from the woman between March and December, 2001.

The trial, which is scheduled to last six weeks, will be presided over by Judge Elgan Edwards.