One of the women accused of attacking and murdering a former bus conductor in his own home said her partner admitted killing him while they were in prison together.

The body of 67-year-old Barry Reeve, a former Eastern Counties worker, was discovered by officers at his home on Corton Road, off City Road, Norwich on February 26 last year.

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

Both deny murdering Mr Reeve who was known as Titch or Schweppes to his friends.

Giving evidence today Kelly Barnes, dressed in a white shirt and black trousers, said she had been at Mr Reeve's home with Jodie Barnes on February 9, the day it is said he was attacked.

She said they were there to try and get him to give them or let them borrow some money.

Kelly, who revealed she was 'off her head' on a mixture of drugs and alcohol admitted stealing items from the bungalow which were put into bags and left to be collected later.

But she said she did not attack or injure Mr Reeve and did not see Jodie attack him either.

The court heard when they later returned to Mr Reeve's home in a taxi to collect the bags Jodie Barnes 'disappeared' for about 10 to 15 minutes.

Kelly said she had no idea what had happened to Mr Reeve and did not know he had died until she was arrested in connection with his death.

She told the court Jodie had later told her she had 'done something silly' but did not think Mr Reeve had been the victim of a 'very, very serious assault'.

After she was arrested and while on remand Kelly was taken to Peterborough Prison where Jodie herself was taken.

Graham Parkins QC, defending Kelly Barnes, asked if, while in prison, the two of them ever talked about Mr Reeve.

Kelly said she asked Jodie if she did it and Jodie told her that she did.

Mr Parkins asked Kelly what her reaction was. She said: 'I was devastated'.

The trial continues.

For full story see tomorrow's paper.