Market Drayton wife died after cuts to her neck
A pensioner found dead in her Shropshire home had been hit over the head and had her neck cut, a coroner's court heard.
An inquest was formally opened on Beatrice Margaret Bennett, whose husband has been charged her murder.
Mrs Bennett, 75, was found dead at her home in Market Drayton, Shropshire Coroner John Ellery was told.
Det Sgt Teresa McKenna said Mrs Bennett was discovered at her home in Millfield Drive at about 8.15am on May 20.
Mrs Bennett was pronounced dead by a paramedic at about 8.25am, and formally identified later that day at University Hospital Coventry.
A post mortem examination said the medical cause of death was an "incise wound to the neck and blunt trauma to the head".
Mrs Bennett was born in Crewe and married to John Colin Bennett, 74, she said. They were both retired teachers.
The opening of the hearing at Shrewsbury's Greenhous Stadium will be followed by a full inquest at a later date.
Mr Bennett was arrested on the same day she was found and charged with her murder on May 21. He made a first appearance before Stafford Crown Court on May 23, and remains in custody.
Coroner John Ellery adjourned the inquest to await the outcome of the criminal investigation.
Neighbours spoke of their shock after Mrs Bennett's body was found earlier this month.
