Murder and rape suspect Heald pleads not guilty

MURDER and multiple rape suspect John Heald has appeared at Hull Crown Court this afternoon (Friday, November 7) and pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Humberside Police charged the 53 year-old with the murder of landlady Bei Carter and ten counts of rape.

Heald sparked a five day manhunt after Mrs Carter (53) was found dead at her Humberside B&B on Friday, July 18.

He was arrested on Friday, July 25 in Parkgate after a high-profile manhunt by Humberside and South Yorkshire Police.

Heald, of Foljambe Road, Rotherham, has also been charged with ten counts of rape in South Yorkshire on July 13.

His trial is set to begin on January 27 at the same court and is expected to last several weeks.