THE trial of a woman accused of killing wealthy Bolton-born businessman Daniel O'Brien, due to start today, has been delayed.

It is now expected to start on Wednesday as courts will not be working on Tuesday because of the Queen Mother's funeral.

His girlfriend Janet Charlton, aged 35, who lives in the Wakefield area of West Yorkshire, is accused of his murder. Mr O'Brien was found naked on the landing of his luxury £250,000 detached home in Midgley, West Yorkshire, with an axe embedded in his skull last May.

A post mortem examination revealed the 41-year-old died of severe head injuries. Mr O'Brien had moved to the quiet village near Wakefield following a four-year spell in Rawtenstall. He previously lived in Harwood where his family still live.

The successful businessman had recently worked as a consultant for British Gas.

The trial at Leeds Crown Court is expected to last up to three weeks.