Helston murder suspect will face jury (From Falmouth Packet)

Helston murder suspect will face jury

4:30pm Wednesday 31st October 2012 in Helston

A man from St Austell has denied the murder of a retired postmaster who was found dead in his flat in Helston on Father’s Day.

Alexander Channer, aged 54, admitted manslaughter but Exeter Crown Court was told the plea is not acceptable and there will have to be a trial.

Channer, of Tewington Place, St Austell, is accused of the murder of 72-year-old Colin Payne on or around June 4, 2012 at his home in Sanctuary Lane, Helston.

Mr Simon Laws, QC, prosecuting, rejected Channer’s plea of guilty to manslaughter and said it remains the crown’s case that there was an intention to kill.

Judge Francis Gilbert, QC, adjourned the case for trial at Truro Crown Court on April 29, 2013 and extended custody time limits to enable Channer’s continued detention.

Mr Payne was found dead at his third floor flat on Father’s Day, Sunday June 17, having last been seen alive on May 31 in Helston.

He is a former postmaster who ran sub post offices at Ashton and Porthleven in West Cornwall before retiring to Helston.

 

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