Pair killed man to steal his identity, court hears

A couple killed and butchered their landlord in his home so they could steal his identity, a court heard.

Stephen Marshall, 38, and Sarah Bush, 21, are accused of carrying out a plot to kill Jeffrey Howe, 49, a kitchen salesman. Mr Howe became known as the "jigsaw man" when parts of his body were found at five different sites in March last year. The couple then assumed his identity while emptying his bank account and making his flat in Southgate, north London, their own, St Albans Crown Court heard.

Marshall, from Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, denies murder but admits being party to the dismembering and dumping of Mr Howe's body. Ms Bush, from Southgate, denies all the charges against her.

Both defendants blame each other for the murder, Stuart Trimmer, for the prosecution, said. They also sold Mr Howe's car on the online auction site eBay, and sold or removed his furniture, the jury was told. The trial continues.