The Crown Prosecution Service has granted permission to extend the custody time limits covering the continued detention of the man accused of murdering

Worthing pensioner Jean Barnes.

David Munley, 56, of Byron Road, Worthing, was remanded in custody for a further three weeks when he appeared before Crawley magistrates charged with the murder of 87-year-old Miss Barnes at her home between July 1 and 26 last year.

Police were called in by a friend who was concerned for her well-being. They discovered the body of Miss Barnes in a downstairs bedroom of her home in Tennyson Road, Worthing. She was in her nightclothes and had suffered head injuries.

Giles Colin, prosecuting, asked for an extension of the custody limits. He said the case was ready for committal to a higher court but more time was needed by the defence to study documents and other evidence that had only just been made available.

The case was adjourned until March 6 at Horsham Magistrates' Court, when committal proceedings are expected to take place.

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