TRAGIC murder widow Barbara Wilson was admitted to hospital this week after falling ill as the trial of an American accused of ordering her husband's execution neared its end.

The mother-of-two was taken to Chorley Hospital on Monday after attending the five-week trial at Liverpool Crown Court earlier in the day.

The nature of the illness or seriousness of her condition was unknown. Her family asked hospital chiefs not to reveal the information to the press.

But a hospital spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday that she had been admitted the previous day.

And a spokesperson for Lancashire Police said: "We are aware that Barbara was taken ill at home and was taken to hospital.

"As far as we are concerned it is a private medical matter and we don't think it is appropriate for us to comment."

Rumours that she collapsed at the court appear to be incorrect. Court clerk Mr Sullivan said: "She did not collapse in the courtroom, I'm not aware she collapsed outside either.

"I spoke to Mrs Wilson outside the courtroom. I'm now aware that Mrs Wilson is in hospital."

THE trial judge this week began summing up the evidence against Michael Austin who is accused of murdering Chorley accountant David Wilson.

It is alleged Austin, aged 41, ordered the execution of Mr Wilson who was shot twice by masked gunmen at his luxury Withnell Villa home, Withnell, in March 1992.

Austin, of Inwood Terrace, New Jersey, has pleaded not guilty to murdering and conspiring to murder 47-year-old Mr Wilson.

Mr Justice Popplewell began summing up on Tuesday and the jury was expected to retire yesterday (Wednesday) to begin their deliberations.

During the trial Mr Henry Globe QC told how Austin - masquerading as a Mexican Colonel "Hector Portillo" - was behind a multi-million international cigarette fraud.

Austin claimed he could supply millions of cheaper contrabrand Marlboro cigarettes manufactured in Mexico but packaged as if they were the more expensive American product.

It is alleged that he had Mr Wilson, a middle man used by Austin to find buyers for a non-existent cargo, murdered after he spoke to the police.

Austin's QC, Mr Michael Hill, told the jury in his four day closing speech that the Crown's case was "wholly flawed."

Proceeding.

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