THREE home carers on trial accused of plotting to defraud a housebound 92-year-old widow have declined to give evidence in court.

Wendy Bell, 57, of Greenside Lane, Cullingworth, Lisa Bell, 30, also of Greenside Lane, and Helen Banks, 42, of Howbeck Avenue, Riddlesden, deny conspiracy to defraud Audrey Hammond, a wealthy Parkinson’s disease sufferer, of Cracoe, near Skipton.

Bradford Crown Court has heard that she forked out more than £1 million for home care in two and a half years.

Yesterday, the trial barristers made their closing speeches and Judge Colin Burn began his summing up.

The jury is expected to retire to consider its verdicts by the end of the week.

The trial continues.