Double murder suspect found dead in prison cell

A Birmingham man suspected of murdering two pensioners - including an 80-year-old Halesowen woman - has been found dead in his prison cell.

Leo Barnes, from Balsall Heath, was standing trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court accused of killing Cynthia Beamond (pictured) and London man Philip Silverstone on consecutive days in June last year.

The 33-year-old was due to be cross-examined by prosecutors on Friday but didn’t appear in court after complaining of feeling ill.