ACCUSED of murder, Simon Hall stood in the dock today at Norwich Crown Court, as members of his family looked on in tears.The 25-year-old, from Hill House Road, Ipswich, stood impassively as the charge of murdering Joan Albert on December 16, 2001, was read out.

ACCUSED of murder, Simon Hall stood in the dock today at Norwich Crown Court, as members of his family looked on in tears.

The 25-year-old, from Hill House Road, Ipswich, stood impassively as the charge of murdering Joan Albert on December 16, 2001, was read out.

Pensioner Mrs Albert, 79, was found stabbed to death in her night-clothes, in the hall of her home at Boydlands, Capel St Mary.

Hall was arrested at his home in July, and charged with murder on July 26.

In court today Hall, wearing a white shirt, blue checked tie and black suit pleaded not guilty in front of Judge David Mellor.

Hall was represented in court by defence barrister Tina Davey. The court heard that the trial, which is expected to last at least four weeks, will hear evidence from 37 witnesses.

The court heard that Hall could legally be kept in custody till the last week of January, so the case was scheduled to be mentioned in court on January 20 next year, with the trial date set for February 10 at Norwich Crown Court.

Hall was remanded in custody.