Man ruled fit to face double murder trial

A MAN who was arrested on suspicion of murdering his partner and young daughter in Yorkshire has been deemed fit to stand trial after spending more than a year in a psychiatric unit.

By The Newsroom

Published 26th Mar 2013, 00:01 BST

John Miller was arrested over the deaths of deputy headteacher Sarah Laycock, 31, and eight-year-old Abigail Miller, who were discovered at their home in Kirkby Avenue, Garforth, Leeds, in January last year.

They had both been stabbed. Miss Laycock had also suffered axe wounds.

They were found after Miller was arrested at Fairburn Ings Nature Reserve, near Castleford.

Plasterer Miller was initially detained under the Mental Health Act on what police said would be a “long-term arrangement”.

Now, 14 months later, West Yorkshire Police’s homicide and major enquiry team have charged Miller with the murder of both Miss Laycock and Abigail between January 13 and 14 last year.

Miller is also charged with six counts of assault on two paramedics, three police officers and a member of the public at Fairburn Ings.

He is due to appear at Leeds Magistrates’ Court today.