Alethea Taylor murder case husband told friends wife had dementia
A funeral director who is accused of murdering his wife and disposing of her body told close friends that she had dementia, a jury has heard.
John Taylor, 61, of Orleton, near Ludlow, told retired teacher Rita Tetsill over the phone that his wife Alethea Taylor 'was suffering with dementia'.
He told another friend Eve Martin that he thought his wife 'had some form of mild dementia' after reporting her missing from their home in Mortimer Drive on January 19 last year.
Both Mrs Tetsill and Mrs Martin said they were surprised when Mr Taylor told them separately his wife had 'wandered off' on occasion, before disappearing.
Taylor, standing trial at Worcester Crown Court, denies murdering his 63-year-old wife. She has not been seen or heard from since January 19 last year.
Mr Jonas Hankin, prosecuting, asked Mrs Tetsill if Mrs Taylor had ever complained of forgetfulness.
Mrs Tetsill said she had known Mrs Taylor for more than 40 years and had never seen anything to make her fear for her mental health.
Mrs Martin said 'at least two years before she disappeared' Mrs Taylor had posted her a card telling her the location of an envelope kept in her locked bedside drawer, to be opened 'just in case'. She did not know the contents of the envelope.
The prosecution alleges Taylor had started an affair with another woman.
The case continues.
