A man could stand trial next year charged with the murder of a woman in Gorleston.

Linda Hood, 68, was found dead inside her home in Cherwell Way, Gorleston, on Friday, June 11, after emergency services were called to a fire at the address at around 9.10am.

Eastern Daily Press: Police have taped off a property in Cherwell Way, Gorleston, where the body of a woman was discovered. Detectives are now treating the death as murder.Police have taped off a property in Cherwell Way, Gorleston, where the body of a woman was discovered. Detectives are now treating the death as murder. (Image: Peter Walsh, Archant Norfolk)


Paul Kelly-Bridle, 58, of Worcester Way, Gorleston, has since been charged with murder and arson with intent to endanger life.

Eastern Daily Press: Police remain on scene at Cherwell Way, Gorleston after the body of a woman was discovered following a house fire.Police remain on scene at Cherwell Way, Gorleston after the body of a woman was discovered following a house fire. (Image: Peter Walsh, Archant Norfolk)

The case was mentioned at Norwich Crown Court on Friday (September 24) when Danielle O'Donovan, defending Kelly-Bridle, said her client was currently unfit.

The court heard he needs to undergo further psychological tests to assess his mental health.

Judge Anthony Bate provisionally fixed a date for a trial, which is expected to last three weeks, for May 9 next year.

Kelly-Bridle did not attend the hearing while Karim Khalil QC appeared for the prosecution.

There will be a further mention in the case, although a date has not yet been fixed.