Two charged with Murder and fraud charges

Following an extensive murder and fraud investigation by Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Unit, two people have been charged with offences in Oxfordshire. The investigation started following the death of James Sootheran, aged 59, who was known by his middle name, Anthony. Mr Sootheran was found deceased at his home in South Newington, Oxfordshire, on 18 March 2014. The post mortem found that Mr Sootheran died from pneumonia, which was caused by malnourishment. Today (18/3) the following two people have been charged in connection with the investigation: Lynda Rickard, aged 60, of Edinburgh Close, Banbury, has been charged with one count of murder, one count of manslaughter, four counts of fraud by false representation, one count of fraud by abuse of position, two counts of making a false instrument with intent it be accepted as genuine, two counts of conspiring to pervert the course of justice, and one count of possess/control article for use in fraud. Wayne Rickard, aged 64, of Edinburgh Close, Banbury, has been charged with one count of murder, one count of causing/allowing the death of a vulnerable adult, one count of fraud by false representation, and one count of conspiring to pervert the course of justice. They are due to appear at Oxford Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (19/3). JW