A JURY has started to hear evidence in Bolton Crown Court's first ever murder trial.

The court in Blackhorse Street can now hold murder cases after its most senior judge, The Honorary Recorder of Bolton, Judge Timothy Clayson, was given a "Class 1 ticket".

Josphat Mutekedza, aged 35, of no fixed address, is on trial accused of murdering Rochdale nurse Miriam Nyazema.

He denies murder and the trial is expected to last two weeks.

Yesterday lawyer Mark Kellet opened the case for the prosecution.