Prosecution finishes providing evidence in trial of Wisbech murder suspect David Newton

A Wisbech murder suspect was seen on CCTV multiple times exchanging coins for notes while gambling on a fruit machine the day after Una Crown was killed.

David Newton, 70, of Magazine Close in Wisbech, denies the murder of his neighbour Una Crown, 86.

Mrs Crown was found dead at her home on January 13, 2013. A post mortem revealed that she was stabbed multiple times in the neck and chest and her body had been set fire.

The jury continued to hear from temporary Detective Sergeant Daniel Harper, who played a part in investigating Mrs Crown’s murder when Newton was re-arrested on suspicion of murder in 2023.

He said that as part of his investigations, Det Sgt Harper looked at CCTV footage of Newton’s regular club, the Wisbech Ex Serviceman’s Club.

Newton had previously denied in a police interview that he had been to the club on the weekend of Mrs Crown’s murder because he had “got no money”.

However, he was seen on CCTV on Saturday, January 12, 2023, the day Mrs Crown was killed, at the club in the afternoon for a brief period of time.

The following day, Newton was seen on the CCTV entering the club twice, seen ordering numerous drinks at the bar, and exchanging notes for loose change to play on the fruit machine.

He was also seen then exchanging his winnings - that came in coin form - back into notes and ordering more drinks.

When the trial started a couple of weeks ago, the court heard how it is believed that cash was missing from Mrs Crown’s purse.

Prosecutor John Price KC completed summarising the CPS’ case and the jury is expected to hear from Newton’s defence this week.

Not up to date with what’s been said in court? Click the following links to find previous coverage of day one, two three , four, five, six, seven, eight and nine via these links.

The trial continues.