A PRISON inmate from Bolton is set to go on trial for trying to arrange the murder of his estranged wife and her friend.

Andrew McGarry, who is serving time at Wymott Prison, Lancashire, appeared yesterday at Bolton Crown Court accused of two counts of soliciting to commit murder and three counts of encouraging or assisting in the commission of offences believing one or more crimes will be committed.

While in prison McGarry, aged 39, and formerly of Horwich, is alleged to have tried to arrange the killing of his former partner Heather McGarry and her friend Andrea Leighton between February 1 and June 10 last year.

The further three offences of encouraging or assisting the commission of crimes are said to have taken place between February 1 and 10 when he is alleged to have provided names, addresses and maps to four men.

McGarry entered no plea to the charges.

The case was adjourned for a further hearing on August 11, with the trial set to take place on November 6.