92-Year-Old Man Pleads Not Guilty to 1967 Bristol Rape, Murder

Ryland Headley, a 92-year-old man from Ipswich, has pleaded not guilty to the rape and murder of 75-year-old Louisa Dunne, who was found strangled inside her home in Bristol in June 1967. The trial, expected to last up to three weeks, is being held at Bristol Crown Court, where Headley appeared wearing a dark red jumper. Mr Justice Sweeting emphasized the seriousness of the case, noting the allegations of both rape and murder and instructing the jury to decide solely on the evidence presented in court. The prosecution is represented by Anna Vigars KC and Ramin Pakrooh, while Headley is defended by Jeremy Benson KC and Abigail Bright. The case marks a decades-old cold case being brought to trial nearly 58 years after the alleged crime. It highlights ongoing efforts to resolve historical crimes through the justice system.