A woman found dead in a burning van may have been alive when the fire started, a court heard today. The victim has still not been named.
Thomas Matthew Hammond Bell appeared in court on Friday charged with the woman's murder. She was found in the van in Prestatyn on Sunday, October 4.
Charge and plea
Bell was arrested on Monday, October 5, and his legal team said he would deny the charge. Bell will enter a formal plea to the murder charge on Friday, November 27.
A provisional trial date has been set for April next year. It is expected to last three weeks and take place in either Mold or Caernarfon crown courts.
Court details
Judge Geraint Walters said it is understood the victim was alive when the van fire started and that the defendant's case was that he did not start the fire.
The victim has not been publicly identified but the court heard she was known to the defendant. A murder investigation was launched and Bell was arrested by investigating officers.
Investigation
Emergency services were called to the scene at Gas Works Lane in Prestatyn at around 11.30pm on Sunday following reports of a van on fire with police confirming that a woman's body was subsequently discovered inside the vehicle.
Detective Chief Inspector Zoie Dunkerley said: “I understand this incident will have caused concern to the local community, and our officers will be maintaining a visible presence in the area should anyone need to talk to us.
“I would like to thank the members of the public who have already contacted us, but if you have any information that could assist our investigation, and you have not already spoken to us, please get in touch via our live webchat or on 101 quoting reference 26000816112.”
Thomas Matthew Hammond Bell, 38 of Wellington Road, Rhyl appeared in Mold Crown Court on Friday, October 9.
