Murder accused told cops 'victim' was in Scotland

POLICE LATER DISCOVERED BODY IN HOUSE

- ANDRE ARDSLEY

A MURDER accused told police his alleged victim was in Scotland before officers discovered the man’s decomposing body in his own home, a jury has heard.

Ian Connell denies murdering 45-year-old Donald Patience, who was found dead in a property on Ainsworth Road in Radcliffe, Bury.

A postman saw 39-year-old Mr Connell climbing into Mr Patience’s home through a window before leaving with his pet labradoodle before alerting police, jurors at Manchester Crown Court heard. During a search of the house, Mr Patience’s body was discovered underneath a duvet cover at the bottom of the stairs.

A pathologist later said he could have been dead for up to three days.