A JUDGE today refused a bail application by the man accused of murdering his postmistress wife at their village store.

In a behind-closed-doors hearing, Robin Garbutt's bid to be released from prison while he awaits his expected trial was rejected.

Mr Garbutt's legal team appeared at Teesside Crown Court in front of the Recorder of Middlesbrough, Judge Peter Fox, QC.

The 44-year-old is due in court himself at the end of next month when he is expected to plead not guilty to the charge of murder.

His barrister, Jamie Hill, QC, told a hearing last month that Mr Garbutt will "definitely" deny killing his 40-year-old wife, Diana.

Mrs Garbutt's body was found in the upstairs living quarters of Melsonby Post Office, in North Yorkshire, early on March 23.

A post-mortem examination carried out by a Home Office pathologist later revealed that she had suffered serious head injuries.

Mr Garbutt, who told police his wife was killed in a robbery at the store, was arrested and charged after a three-week investigation.

He is next due in court on June 25 for the plea and case management hearing, and his trial is expected to be in the autumn.