LATEST: Diana Lee murder accused to face next hearing in New Year (From Knutsford Guardian)

LATEST: Diana Lee murder accused to face next hearing in New Year

12:51pm Wednesday 26th September 2012 in News By James Wilson

THE man accused of murdering Cranage resident Diana Lee will appear before the courts again in January next year.

David Ryan, 47, of Byrom Street, Hale, appeared at Chester Crown Court this morning, Wednesday for a preliminary hearing. 

Judge Elgan Edwards decided that his next court date would be on Monday, January 7, 2013 for a plea and case management hearing. 

Ryan, who did not speak during the 5-minute session, waved and blew a kiss to his partner who was in the courtroom as he was being led back down to the cells. 

Diana Lee, 54, was found dead after from head wounds in the garage of her Cranage home just before 11am on August 9 after an arson attack on her property.

Her Vauxhall Corsa was stolen and attempts were made to torch it in Mobberley.

A man was then seen riding off on a women’s bike before fleeing across the fields towards Ashley.

Mrs Lee went for a night out with friends in Knutsford at the Wine Bar and Man Zen restaurant in King Street the evening before her death.

She left the restaurant at about 10.15pm heading north towards Mere and at 11.17pm was making her way back to her home.