Police inspector's murder trial continues

Darren McKie denies murdering his wife, after her body was found in Poynton Lake.

Closing statements from barristers are set to be heard when the trial of Darren McKie continues from Midday today.

Mr McKie, 43, of Burford Close, Wilmslow, had originally pleaded not guilty to the murder of his wife, Leanne McKie, at the hearing at Chester Crown Court.

However, just as his defense counsel were set to put their arguments to the court on Thursday, McKie changed his plea to that of manslaughter.

He continues to deny the charge of murder, and has refused to give any evidence to the court. 

Earlier in the trial, the court heard that the father-of-three left his work at Stretford police station early on September 28 last year, and is accused of killing Leanne, after she is alleged to have discovered he applied for a £54,000 loan behind her back.

It had been revealed that the family was heavily in debt, and spending beyond the limits of their joint incomes on a monthly basis. 

A post mortem on Leanne's body revealed she had died of asphyxia, most likely caused by ‘manual strangulation’.

The judge has directed the jury that they can still find Mr McKie guilty of murder, despite his change of plea.

The trial is scheduled to conclude this week.