Woman charged with axe murder of businessman

A woman was appearing in court today charged with the axe murder of a wealthy businessman.

Daniel O’Brien, 41, was found naked, with an axe embedded in his head, in the front bedroom of his home six weeks ago.

The 35-year-old woman was appearing before Wakefield magistrates today.

Mr O’Brien, a former pupil of Manchester Grammar School, was discovered on the afternoon of May 23 by his live-in girlfriend, Jan Charlton.

Divorcee Mrs Charlton and her five-year-old daughter Amy had moved in with Mr O’Brien at his £175,000, four-bedroomed home in Midgley, near Wakefield shortly before Christmas.

It is understood Mr O’Brien had recently relinquished his consultancy role with British Gas subsidiary Repair and Care.