An 87-year-old retired company director who moved to Wisbech after his arrest has been released on bail after appearing at court today charged with the murder of his 86-year-old wife.

Brendon Constant appeared before Cambridge Crown Court accused of murdering Jean Constant, 86, on August 22 last year.

Constant, wearing a blue jumper with black trousers and supported by a walking stick, did not enter a plea and spoke only to confirm his name.

Judge David Farrell QC adjourned the hearing and granted Constant bail, with the conditions that he does not go to Poppyfields Care Home or contact staff at the home.

Constant, whose family were sat in the public gallery, was also ordered to stay at either one of two addresses belonging to his sons.

Constant was arrested on suspicion of murder following an incident at Poppyfields, a sheltered housing complex in Eynesbury.

Mrs Constant’s body was discovered after police investigated reports of concern relating to a property in Chapman Way.

A post mortem, carried out by Dr Nat Cary at Peterborough City Hospital, concluded Mrs Constant died from plastic bag asphyxia in association with heart disease.

Her husband was taken to Addenbroke’s Hospital, Cambridge, to be treated for his injuries.

The couple had moved to Eynesbury near St Neots in 1980 from their former home in Ashford, Kent.

A plea hearing has been scheduled at Cambridge Crown Court for May 3.