Jury panel sworn in ahead of Norwich murder trial starting

Theodore Lynch has been charged with killing Leslie Smith, 63, whose body was discovered in his property at Suffolk Square on October 17, 2021.

Suffolk Square, where the body of Leslie Smith was found (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest)Lynch appeared at Norwich Crown Court on Monday for the start of his trial having previously denied murder.

Norwich Crown Court (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest)A panel of 14 jurors - made up of 10 women and four men - were sworn in for the start of the case which is expected to last two to three weeks.

Police at Suffolk Square, Norwich (Image: Newsquest)Judge Alice Robinson told the panel they should not make any decision about the case until after they had heard all the evidence.

Judge Alice Robinson (Image: Newsquest)She also warned the panel not to talk to friends or family about the case or try and obtain information about the case via other means, including newspapers or websites.

After the case is opened on Tuesday the two additional panel members will be stood down, leaving a jury of 12 people.

Lynch, currently of HMP Five Wells in Wellingborough, appeared in the dock wearing a grey and orange top.

Theodore Lynch (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)Stephen Rose KC prosecutes, while Ed Renvoize appears on behalf of Lynch.

The death of Mr Smith was initially treated as unexplained by police and a Home Office post mortem was inconclusive.

Suffolk Square, Norwich (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest)Further tests revealed Mr Smith's cause of death was consistent with a wound on his neck and detectives from the Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team launched a murder enquiry.

Suffolk Square, Norwich (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest)The death shocked neighbours living in the flats close to Norwich city centre.

Suffolk Square, Norwich (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest)In December last year police revealed a woman in her 30s initially arrested on suspicion of the murder of Mr Smith would face no further action.