The trial of a man accused of murdering a woman whose body was found in a pub freezer will start this morning.

Michael Tucker, 50, who ran the Compasses Inn at Snettisham, denies murdering his girlfriend and business partner Rebecca Thorpe, 29.

Miss Thorpe's body was found in a freezer at the pub at around 1pm on Tuesday, March 23 last year and a post-mortem examination revealed she had died from a gunshot wound.

Tucker was later arrested on the Isle of Wight and appeared at King's Lynn Magistrates' Court on Saturday, March 27 charged with her murder. He has been remanded in custody ever since.

His trial had been due to start in December at Norwich Crown Court but it was postponed until today.

Miss Thorpe's parents Peter and Jane and older brother Keith have already paid tribute to their 'cheeky and fun loving' daughter and sister and thanked those who have also paid tribute to the 29-year-old.

She had attended Shouldham Primary School before moving to Downham Market High School where she was described a model pupil to teach at school

Miss Thorpe represented both her schools in athletics and hockey for the high school. She went on to play hockey for the Denver ladies competing in games throughout Norfolk.

The 29-year-old's first job was working as a Saturday girl at Timber's in Fincham where after starting as a kitchen assistant, she later trained and qualified as a chef.

She then took the position of head chef at The King's Arms in Shouldham but a change in career in 2007 saw her train and later qualify as a dental nurse working in Downham Market.

However, in 2009, she went back into the pub trade first at The Dray and Horses, in Tottenhill and then her first dream venture when she became the landlady of the The Compasses Inn, in Snettisham.

*Read tomorrow's EDP for the full report from the first trial day.