Man may face murder trial ten years after woman's death

4:49pm Thursday 7th February 2008

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A man who never faced trial for allegedly killing his pregnantgirlfriend may have to answer a charge of murder nearly a decade on, a court heard today.

Richard Gray, 50, originally from Corsham, Wiltshire, was accused of strangling Virginia Sivil, 26, shortly before she was due to give birth in February 1998.

Miss Sivil was in the first stages of labour when she died outside her home in Foxhill, Bath. Her unborn child was also killed.

Bristol Crown Court heard today that Gray was committed to Broadmoor maximum security hospital for an indefinite period in March 1999 after he was found unfit to plead.

The Crown Prosecution Service told the court iproposes to bring Gray back to the dock to face the original indictment of murder and child destruction.

Crown prosecutor Michael Mather-Lees applied for up-to-date psychiatri reports to be submitted so they can make the application.

He said: "The Crown wishes to reinstate the original two-count indictment.

"The purpose of it is that there is resolution and all powers are opened to the court to determine and review the situation.

"We have a duty to bring this back to court if the accused is fit to be dealt with.

"The directions I'm asking for today are for further reports to be obtained. I will then make an application when appropriate to reinstate the two-count indictment."

Mr Justice Jack said the mental health reports must be presented to the Crown by May 9. If the CPS wishes to proceed, it must make its application before Gray, who did not attend court today, on June 6.