A RESPECTED pillar of the community today denied murdering his wife at their Great Bealings home, near Woodbridge.John Walker, a former agricultural scientist, pleaded not guilty as he stood in the Ipswich Crown Court dock dressed in a grey suit, white and navy pinstriped shirt and navy tie.

A RESPECTED pillar of the community today denied murdering his wife at their Great Bealings home, near Woodbridge.

John Walker, a former agricultural scientist, pleaded not guilty as he stood in the Ipswich Crown Court dock dressed in a grey suit, white and navy pinstriped shirt and navy tie.

The 65-year-old spoke only to enter his not guilty plea when the court clerk asked if he murdered his wife Glenda Walker on November 12 last year.

Following a brief hesitation, Walker spoke the words clearly: "not guilty."

He then sat in the dock throughout the remainder of the hearing.

The court heard that two short psychiatric reports had been prepared on the defendant for bail purposes.

James Nichol, defending Walker, said: "Now we need a more in-depth report and I ask for six weeks for this."

Throughout the proceedings Walker sat straight looking directly at Judge John Devaux but without expression.

Judge Devaux said the matter would next be listed on March 7 for a directions hearing at Bury St Edmunds Crown Court. He then released Walker on bail.

The death of Mrs Walker shocked the community of Great Bealings where her body was discovered at the couple's Meadow Cottage home.

Mr and Mrs Walker, who have a son and daughter, had lived there for more than 20 years. They were extremely well known both in Great Bealings and Woodbridge.