Helen Bailey’s brother gives evidence at murder trial

The brother of children’s author Helen Bailey has given evidence at her murder trial paying tribute to her as “highly intelligent” and “extremely funny”.

Speaking as a witness at the trial of Bailey’s partner Ian Stewart, who is accused of her murder, John Bailey said his sister was “very much somebody who would come to someone’s aid as a friend, she would always put herself out there”.

Helen Bailey was “highly intelligent” an “extremely funny” woman, John Bailey told St Albans Crown Court.

Stewart is accused of drugging and killing the writer before putting her body in a septic tank on the grounds of her house in Royston, Hertfordshire. He has pleaded not guilty.

John Bailey said he heard his sister was missing on 13th April last year when her friend Tracey Stratton raised the alarm. He then rang Stewart, who allegedly said he had receveived a note saying she had gone to Broadstairs, Kent, and did not want to be contacted.

Yesterday (11th January), forensic pathologist Nathaniel Carey said Bailey’s body contained traces of Zopiclone, a sleeping drug. Another witness, GP Dr Afshan Kahn, told the court she gave Stewart a 28-day prescription for that drug.

Stewart denies charges of murder, preventing a lawful burial, fraud and three counts of perverting the cause of justice.

The trial continues.