A 63 year old Essex man pleads "not guilty" to two counts of murder and one of actual bodily harm
Calogero Ricotta of Cambridge Road has denied murdering his wife, Maria Ungara and her son, Giuseppe Morreale, in Chelmsford Crown Court.
Last updated 16th Aug 2024
A 63 year old man has pleaded not guilty over killing his wife and her son in Ugley near Bishops Stortford in May.
Calogero Ricotta of Cambridge Road was wearing a grey jumper and had an Italian interpreter beside him as he was asked to confirm his name and his pleas.
He pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder, one of his wife, Maria Nugaro, and the other of her son Giuseppe Morreale. His first plea was said in English and his second in Italian, which had to be translated. He also pleaded not guilty to one count of actual bodily harm.
Essex police received a call at 9.50pm reporting two people had been seriously injured at an address in Ugley. Police pronounced Ms Ugara and her son Mr Morreale dead at the scene.
Ricotta will have a further hearing on 9 December and his trial will take place on 20th January 2025 at Chelmsford Crown Court. He will have an Italian interpreter for the course of the trial. The case is estimated to last three weeks.