Chester woman denies 'stun gun murder' of love rival
A woman accused of murdering a love rival with a stun gun in an "orgy of violence" has told a court she did not do it.
A woman accused of murdering a love rival with a stun gun in an "orgy of violence" has told a court she did not do it.
Sarah Williams, 35, is on trial for the murder of businesswoman Sadie Hartley, 60, who the prosecution allege she killed after former boyfriend Ian Johnston dumped her.
Williams, wearing a dark business suit over a white top, sipped water as she gave evidence in the witness box, watched closely by Ms Hartley's two children, Charlotte, 22 and Harry, 23, who were sitting in the public gallery of Preston Crown Court.
She is accused of plotting to kill Ms Hartley for 17 months with co-accused Katrina Walsh, 56, after becoming "obsessed'" with ex-fireman Mr Johnston, 57, who was in a relationship with the victim.
The prosecution allege that Williams, who at the time was a "kept woman" with a wealthy "sugar daddy" boyfriend twice her age, turned up at the #500,000 home Mr Johnston shared with Ms Hartley in the village of Helmshore, Lancashire, while Mr Johnston was abroad skiing.
When Ms Hartley answered the door Williams allegedly attacked her with "demonic savagery", using a 500,000-volt stun gun to paralyse her before stabbing her 40 times.
The defendant and Walsh, both from Chester, deny murder on January 14.
Gordon Cole QC, defending Williams, warned the defendant she would be in the witness box for some time'' as he began questioning her on Wednesday.
Addressing Ms Williams, Mr Cole said: Have you ever given evidence in court before? Have you ever been in trouble before? Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offence before?''
The defendant replied "no'' to each question. The lawyer then asked: "Did you kill Sadie Hartley." Williams replied: "No." - The trial continues.