Murder accused ‘unaware’ victim was dead despite being 'cuddled up to her'

A former bookkeeper, 52, accused of raping and murdering a barmaid has told a court he had not realised his alleged victim might be dead, despite being “cuddled up to her”.

Edward Tenniswood claimed he and India Chipchase twice had “loving” sex at his home and he only put his hands around her neck at the 20-year-old’s direction.

He told Birmingham Crown Court she gave an “exhaling gasp” during what he described as “vigorous love-making” at his rented house in Northampton.