A JURY has been sworn in to hear the case of a man accused of the murder of a cabin crew worker.

Police launched a murder inquiry in the village of Rotherfield near Crowborough after Nelly Myers, 58, was found dead at her home.

The incident caused shock as police set up a wide cordon in Court Meadow Close in December last year.

Ms Myers, originally from Peru, had lived in the village for 29 years, and had worked for British Airways for nearly 20 years.

In a tribute her family said she had an “endlessly caring nature” who put others first.

At Hove Crown Court 36-year-old Jayesh Kirit Gobar is accused of killing her.

He appeared in the dock wearing a grey jumper and dark trousers, and had short black hair and a beard.

A jury of six men and six women were sworn in to hear the case before Her Honour Judge Chrisine Laing QC, the Recorder of Brighton and Hove.

Gobar, formerly of Moorland Road, Maidenbower, Crawley, spoke only to confirm his name, and stood as the jurors took their affirmation.

The court clerk read the charge against him and told the jury: “The defendant is charged on one count. He is charged with murder, on that on December 17, 2019, he murdered Nelly Myers.

“He has pleaded not guilty. It is your charge to decide, having heard all the evidence, whether he is guilty, or not guilty.”

The judge said the trial is expected to last just over two weeks. Richard Hearnden represents the Crown Prosecution Service and will open the case tomorrow. Martin Rutherford QC was the barrister for Gobar.