Leeds store owner set to go on trial for murder

John Butler today admitted the manslaughter of Pauline Butler but pleaded not guilty to murder when he appeared before Leeds Crown Court.

Mrs Butler, 61, was found dead from multiple stab wounds at a property in Cherry Lea Court in Rawdon, Leeds, on April 14.

Butler appeared at the court via a video link from Armley prison for a plea and case management hearing.

The 62-year-old entered a not guilty plea when the murder charge was put to him but said he pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

David Crigman, QC, representing Butler, said: “The basis of that plea is one, lack of intent, two, loss of control, and three, if appropriate, diminished responsibility.”

Mr Crigman told the court psychiatric investigations were ongoing and no application for bail was made.

Michelle Colborne, prosecuting, said a murder trial would have to be held.

Judge Geoffrey Marson, QC, told Butler: “Your trial will take place on October 13 and for the time being you will have to remain in custody.”

Butler, of Larkfield Road, Rawdon, was the head of family-run Kettley’s Furniture in Yeadon.

In 2012 it came to national attention when it was the subject of BBC Two reality show The Fixer.