Lesbian couple allegedly tortured retiree

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NORWICH, England, Jan. 9 (UPI) -- A lesbian couple tortured a retired bus conductor to get the PIN for his bank card and left him to die, a prosecutor in eastern England said Tuesday.

Kelly Louise Barnes, 32, and Jodie Barnes, 31, of Norwich went on trial this week, charged with the murder of Barry Reeve, 67, the Norwich Evening News reported. The couple are in a civil partnership and Jodie Barnes changed her name from Ramsbottom.

Karim Khalil, the prosecuting lawyer, said the two women needed money to feed their drug habits.

"I say he was murdered on or about February 9 because it is certain he was brutally beaten on February 9, cut with a sharp blade and left in his bungalow to die," Khalil said. "However the post mortem findings reveal that he did not pass away until the next day or so -- left alone in his own home, unable to summon help."

Reeve's body was found about two weeks later last year when his daughter came to the house, found the door open and called police after she saw blood inside. Julie Reeve testified Tuesday afternoon.

Khalil said a medical examiner determined Reeve's fatal injury was caused by a blow to the head. But he said his body had numerous cuts.