Ronald King, 86, in court accused of wife's care home murder Published duration 30 December 2015

image copyright East News Press Agency image caption Ronald King walked into the brief court hearing with the aid of a stick

An 86-year-old man has appeared in court charged with the murder of his wife at a care home in Essex.

Ronald King, of Cedar Close, Walton-on-the-Naze, appeared before Chelmsford Magistrates' Court accused of shooting his 81-year-old wife Rita.

Mrs King died at De La Mer House in Naze Park Road, Walton-on-the-Naze on Monday.

Mr King was remanded in custody and will appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday.

Walking with a stick, Mr King was helped to leave the court by a dock officer after confirming his name and address for the court clerk during the short hearing.

image copyright PA image caption Rita King was shot dead at the care home where she lived on Monday

image copyright De La Mer House image caption Mrs King died at De La Mer House in Naze Park Road, Walton-on-the-Naze

Mr King and his wife were both residents at the De La Mer House care home.

Mrs King died from gunshot wounds to the head, thought to be from a 1934 Enfield revolver.

image caption De La Mer House overlooks the seafront at Walton-on-the-Naze