Market Drayton residents still shocked after murder of elderly neighbour
It's normally a quiet, leafy cul-de-sac where people can go about their daily business without bother. But this has been no ordinary week for the residents of Millfield Drive in Market Drayton.
The sedate pace of daily life has been replaced with the traumatic news that a neighbour is dead and that her husband has been charged with murder.
John Colin Bennett, known by his middle name, is in custody and has appeared in court after being charged with the murder of his wife Beatrice.
There has been a heavy police presence in the street ever since the discovery of Mrs Bennett's body at about 8.20am on Tuesday.
Residents, who remain in a state of disbelief at the events of the past few days, say they knew the couple as a devoted and caring pair, who enjoyed socialising and leisure activities.
One woman, who did not wish to be named, said: "They were good neighbours, never any trouble. I don't think you could find someone who could say a bad word about either of them.
"Colin used to play hockey a while ago. He was part of a team and quite sporty.
"Trixie was lovely. She was such a nice person. She had a great big smile and would always say hello and give us a big wave when we saw her.
"Colin was devoted to Trixie, they went everywhere together."
She added: "He's a kind and gentle person, just like Trixie, I can't imagine him hurting anyone."
Paul Dawson, who lives just doors down, said he couldn't believe what had happened.
He said: "We'd always see them on walks or in the car, they were a nice couple.
"He'd spend a lot of time at the local pub with a friend or two, and she was quite sociable.
"It's very concerning that something like that can happen just round the corner. I just don't believe it at all really. I don't quite know what to think."
It is believed that Mr Bennett suffers from Parkinson's disease, while his wife had a form of dementia.
The couple are believed to have been retired teachers who moved from Norton-in-Hales to their £390,000 property in 1998, which backs on to the Shropshire Union Canal.
It is also thought that Mr Bennett owned a newsagents on Shropshire Street, and used to be part of a local squash club, regularly seen walking around the area, or on his bike.
Mr Bennett appeared at Telford Magistrates Court on Wednesday afternoon and was remanded in custody.
Shropshire coroner Mr John Ellery has been informed and an inquest will be opened in due course.
