The sister of one of the women accused of murdering a man in his own home, told a court yesterday that she was a 'schizophrenic' who should not drink.

The body of 67-year-old Barry Reeve was discovered by officers at a property in Corton Road, off City Road, Norwich on February 26 last year two weeks after it is said he was attacked.

Kelly Louise Barnes, 32, and Jodie Barnes, formerly Ramsbottom, 31, who are civil partners and from Bixley Close, both deny murdering Mr Reeve and are on trial at Norwich Crown Court.

Kelly Barnes' sister, Kelly Lee Barnes told the court yesterday that her sibling became very violent when she drank.

Refusing to acknowledge their sisterhood, only saying that they came from the same parents, she said: 'She has never been quite the ticket, and always had problems.'

She said that when her sister drank, she became angry and violent, and added: 'You need to run, basically.

'She's got schizophrenia and she should not drink. People know she should not drink.'

The sisters have not had much contact in the last two years, she said, despite one visit last year.

Miss Barnes said: 'I gave her a hug, a meal and a bath. She was just skin and bone. Last year I saw her just 45 minutes, tops.'

She said they had fallen out over the company her sister kept.

'She never took drugs before she went with Jodie,' she said.

However, she admitted that in a statement given to police last year, she told them that her sister had called her after she was charged, and said she had not murdered Mr Reeve.

Miss Barnes said she had also known Mr Reeve for many years, but only to say hello to.

The trial continues.