A man from Chester charged with the manslaughter of a 38-year-old woman will appear at Chester Crown Court next week for a case management hearing.

Last year, detectives investigating the death of Jennifer Smith in Ellesmere Port charged Peter Scargill with her manslaughter.

He is due to appear at Chester Crown Court on Monday 16 March for a case management hearing, where a judge will review the progress of the case ahead of trial.

On Thursday 1 June 2023, 38-year-old Jennifer Smith was found dead at an address in Birch Grove, Ellesmere Port. Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, Peter Scargill was charged with manslaughter, stalking involving serious alarm and distress, and blackmail.

The 48-year-old of Cherry Road, Chester, appeared at Chester Crown Court on Monday 5 January, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges.

A four-week trial is scheduled to take place at Chester Crown Court starting on Monday 8 February 2027.

Cheshire Constabulary and the Crown Prosecution Service have issued a reminder that criminal proceedings against Mr Scargill are active and that he has a right to a fair trial.

A spokesperson said: "It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."

advertisement