Delays in husband's plea over murdered Wakefield mum
A husband is yet to enter a plea after being charged with the murder of his wife at their home in Wakefield, with questions raised over his mental wellbeing.
David Barraclough appeared at Leeds Crown Court this afternoon where he was due to be arraigned, but a report into his health is awaited.
He is charged with murdering 37-year-old mum Carolann Barraclough at the property on Ken Churchill Drive in Horbury in February.
Wearing a prison-issue sweatshirt, the heavily-tattooed 45-year-old appeared over a video link from HMP Leeds. He spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth.
It was heard during the brief hearing that a psychiatrist’s report is being sought.
The judge, the Recorder of Leeds, Guy Kearl KC, suggested an assessment by liaison and diversion services would be a quicker option, to which Barraclough’s barrister Soheil Khan agreed.
Barraclough was remanded into custody. An arraignment date is yet to be decided, but he will be returned to court on May 8.
A provisional trial date has already been set for October 5, and if it goes ahead, is expected to last around two weeks.
Police attended at a property Ken Churchill Drive in Horbury on Thursday, March 5, after officers received a concern for safety report for a woman.
Following a search, Mrs Barraclough’s body was found at the property. It was thought she had died weeks earlier.