Husband in court over death at post office

THE husband of a postmistress who was found dead at their village shop was remanded in custody yesterday when he appeared in court charged with her murder.

During a two-minute hearing, Robin Garbutt, 44, spoke only to confirm his name and state his date of birth and address.

He was charged yesterday with murdering his wife Diana, 40, who was found dead at their village shop and post office in Melsonby, near Richmond, North Yorkshire, on 23 March.

Her body was found in the upstairs living quarters after claims that there had been an armed robbery.

The death sent shockwaves through the village, and 11 people were in the public gallery at the back of Northallerton Magistrates' Court to see Garbutt appear.

Under new legislation, no bail application could be made before the magistrates and Garbutt was remanded into custody to appear before Teesside Crown Court on Tuesday.

No applications were made by the prosecution or defence.