Accused wife 'asked about death benefits'

Dena Thompson, 43, denies murdering her husband

A woman accused of murdering her husband phoned his boss the day after he died to inquire about death benefits, the Old Bailey has heard.

Just hours after the death of Julian Webb, from Yapton, West Sussex, Dena Thompson had gone to his work place to break the news to his manager Paul Robbins.

Mrs Thompson then rang Mr Robbins a few hours later to ask for an advance on his salary and to inquire about his death benefit, jurors heard on Friday.

Mr Webb died from an overdose of aspirin and anti-depressants on his 31st birthday in June 1994.

Body exhumed

At the time it was thought to be suicide, but an inquest recorded an open verdict and Mrs Thompson was arrested after his body was exhumed in 2001.

Mr Webb's wife, Dena Thompson, 43, of Larks Rise, Cullompton, Devon, denies murdering him at the house they shared in Yapton.

It is alleged by the prosecution that Dena Thompson tricked her husband into taking the drugs in small amounts in the last few days of his life.

They allege the bitter tasting anti-depressants could have been hidden in hot curry dishes.

But Mrs Thompson claims he was depressed and may have taken his own life.

The trial continues.