Body buried in Northampton garden identified by dental records

News imageNorthamptonshire Police Nicholas BillinghamNorthamptonshire Police
Northamptonshire Police said Nicholas Billingham's remains were found buried in a back garden

The body of a man that was found buried in a back garden was identified by dental records, an inquest heard.

Nicholas Billingham, 42, was found at a house in Moore Street, Kingsley, Northampton, on 19 March.

A provisional cause of death was given as a stab wound to the neck.

Primary school teacher Fiona Beal, of Moore Street, Kingsley, Northampton, has been charged with murdering Mr Billingham between 30 October and 10 November.

The 48-year-old is due to appear at Northampton Crown Court on 19 April.

News imagePA Media Police and forensics outside a house on Moore Street, NorthamptonPA Media
Police searched Ms Beale's home after arresting her at a hotel in Cumbria

Assistant coroner for Northampton Hassan Shah told the inquest: "I have a report from Richard Leigh Evans, a forensic odontologist, confirming a positive identification on the basis of dental records.

"In relation to the provisional cause of death, I have a statement from Dr [Frances] Hollingbury, a registered forensic pathologist, of stab wound to the neck, pending further tests."

The inquest in Northampton was adjourned until 21 September.

News imagepresentational grey line

Find BBC News: East of England on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you have a story suggestion email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk