Woman accused of murdering Lancashire businesswoman sent her a letter before she died
A court has heard that a woman accused of murdering a Lancashire businesswoman sent her a "spiteful" letter before she was found dead in her home.
A court has heard that a woman accused of murdering a Lancashire businesswoman sent her a "spiteful" letter before she was found dead in her home.
60-year old Sadie Hartley was found stabbed to death in her home in Helmshore in January this year.
35-year old Sarah Williams of Treborth Road, Blaycon and 56-year old Katrina Walsh of Hare Lane, Chester, are both standing trial at Preston Crown Court accused of her murder. They deny the charges against them.
The prosecution showed the court a letter they claim was sent from Williams to Sadie Hartley in September 2014 which revealed that she was having an affair with Sadie's partner Ian Johnston.
The prosecution argue that it could have been sent in "spite" and revealed that Sadie Hartley had kept the letter as it was found at her home after her death.
They claim that Williams was a "woman consumed by hatred" and that she was responsible for tasering Sadie on her own doorstep before stabbing her 40 times.
The court also heard that Sadie Hartley's DNA was found by police in Williams' bathtub and Sadie's blood was found on the rim of Williams' glasses.
The prosecution also say that police found a bloodstained bootprint in the hallway of Sadie's home which matched a pair of boots bought by Williams.
The court heard how Katrina Walsh, who is accused of assisting Williams in the murder, told police that she had hidden the weapons used in the murder.
The jury was shown a replica of a kitchen knife and what the prosecution claims to be the exact stun gun that was used to kill Sadie Hartley.
Walsh allegedly told police that she was "terrified" of Williams and that she buried the knife and the taser at a farm in Chester.
Police also found what they claim is Walsh's diary hidden at the farm, which documents the pair's plans to murder Sadie Hartley.
The court's also been hearing from the first witnesses at the trial.
A friend of Sarah Williams has given evidence to the court for the prosecution.
Anne Wood claims she received a text message from Williams asking her to take a box of biscuits with her to a meal that Sadie Hartley was attending.
In the message, she said "See if you can get the evil one to eat one of the biscuits and when she's halfway through it, say they're from me,"
"Just got to make sure the poison goes in the right biscuit."
Ms Woods says she thought that Williams was joking when she receieved the message.
The prosecution is calling up witnesses in the case against Williams and Walsh at Preston Crown Court over the next two days.
Thr trial continues.