Court told woman discovered sister murdered with an axe

A court has heard the harrowing account of a woman discovering her sisters fatal injuries, allegedly inflicted by a relative. Donald Excell, 49, faces charges of murdering Rita Lambourne, 58, at her Bexhill home in East Sussex on 12 February.

Claire Haldane recounted visiting her sister's house after receiving a concerned call from Rita's daughter. She described her reaction: I was in shock. Shaking, confused, I just wanted someone to come and help me.

Excell denies both murder and possession of a bladed weapon. The trial is ongoing at Lewes Crown Court in Hove.

The court heard that Lambourne suffered five severe blows in her living room from a blade capable of cutting through bone. Her daughter, Lucy Lambourne, explained that she called her aunt after receiving worrying messages from her mothers partner. She was on the phone as her aunt entered the house:

Oh my god, you need to get down here, mum's been smashed up, love. Call an ambulance.

Lucy Lambourne told the court that her aunt was performing CPR when she arrived. She added that her aunt urged her to leave the room, forcing her outside in distress:

Claire was adamant she didn't want me in the room. I reluctantly went back outside. All I remember is walking out the back door. I crunched up into a ball and screamed.

The court was informed that one strike, believed to be from an axe, caused a 6cm (2.36in) wound to Lambournes heart. She also had defensive injuries. Prosecutor Simon Gledhill told jurors, The blow to her chest was delivered with such force, the blade passed through her skin, fat, muscle and ribs, going straight into her heart.

Family members described Lambourne as deeply loved by those close to her. Excell remained silent and did not provide an alibi during police questioning. The trial continues.

Author: Grace Ellison