A WOMAN has appeared in court charged with murder.

Lisa Connelly is accused of killing Frederick Payne at their home in Rochdale Way, Colchester.

Connelly, 42, was living with Mr Payne, 78.

During the early hours of Sunday morning a fire started at their home.

Mr Payne was trapped inside and, despite the best efforts of neighbours and the emergency services, he was overcome by smoke inhalation and died.

Andrew Jackson QC, prosecuting, said: “The prosecution case is she set a bonfire in the house and set fire to it.”

He alleged Connelly and Mr Payne had fallen out, claiming Mr Payne had gone to the police and tried to get her out of his home the previous day.

He claimed: “This defendant then deliberately set fire to the house.”

Connelly was arrested on Sunday and was charged with murder and arson with intent, or being reckless, to endanger life on Tuesday.

She was remanded into custody during a brief appearance at Colchester Magistrates’ yesterday.

Connelly appeared via video link from HMP Peteborough.

She spoke to confirm her identity and to confirm she understood what was happening.

Connelly was remanded into custody until a plea and trial preparation hearing on November 14.

No pleas have been entered.

She is expected to deny both charges.

A provisional trial date has been set for February.

After thanking the judge and being led back down to the cells a man in the public gallery yelled “I love you Lisa”.

Police have also arrested 45-year-old Terry Higson, of Derwent Road, on suspicion of murdering Mr Payne, who is described by neighbours as having “a heart of gold”.

Higson was released on police bail until October 19 while the investigation continues.

A forensic search of his home was carried out on Monday and Tuesday.

Following the death of Mr Payne, police have been trying to get hold of his family.

They believe he may have family in Essex, but have been unable to trace them.

Det Chief Insp Stephen Jennings said: “We really need to trace members of Mr Payne’s family and would urge them to get in touch with my team as soon as possible.”

Family members of Mr Payne are asked to call 101 and ask for the investigation team.