Market Drayton pensioner in court over wife's murder
[gallery] A pensioner has appeared in court charged with murdering his wife.
John Colin Bennett, 74, of Millfield Drive, Market Drayton, appeared at Telford Magistrates Court charged with the murder of Beatrice Margaret Bennett, 75.
Bennett, who wore a black suit and white shirt with no tie and glasses, was shaking when he was brought up from custody into the glass dock.
When asked to confirm his name and date of birth he replied "correct."
The murder charge was put to him and Bennett was asked if he understood, to which he replied "I do".
Prosecuting, Mr Robert Edwards, requested that the case be sent to crown court and that Bennett be remanded in custody.
He said: "I don't intend to open the facts before the court" but explained Bennett would have to be seen by a crown court judge before Friday to consider any bail application.
Bennett was remanded in custody to appear at Shrewsbury Crown Court on June 9.
Mrs Bennett, known as Trixie, was found dead at the couple's home on Tuesday morning.
The development comes after police were earlier given more time to question the pensioner, who is known to neighbours by his middle name Colin.
Yesterday the large detached house the couple shared in a quiet cul-de-sac, was cordoned off while forensic examinations took place.
A Home Office pathologist was called in to carry out a post mortem.
Shropshire coroner, Mr John Ellery, has been informed and an inquest will be opened in due course.
Neighbours spoke of their shock following news of Mrs Bennett's death.
They described the couple as close and who kept themselves to themselves.
