A MAN from Colwyn Bay whose death last week is at the centre of a murder investigation has been identified.

David Wilcox died aged 65 on Monday, November 20.

Lauren Harris, 29, of no fixed abode but of Colwyn Bay, was charged with murder on November 24 in connection with Mr Wilcox’s death.

Mr Wilcox is named as Harris’ alleged victim on her charge sheet.

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Colwyn Bay woman charged with murder of man, 65, appears in court

Colwyn Bay woman charged with murder following death of man, 65

At Mold Crown Court this morning (November 28), a preliminary hearing was held in her absence.

Harris, who has been remanded in custody at HMP Styal, was set to attend via videolink, but did not due to feeling unwell.

Her plea and trial preparation hearing is due to be held on March 1, 2024, with a provisional trial start date set for May 20 should she plead not guilty.

Simon Killeen, Harris’ defence barrister, told the court that, currently, “her head is not in the right place,” adding that, “at present, it is going to be a trial”.

“At the moment, the issue is likely to be whether she actually caused the death,” Mr Killeen said.

“There are multiple other issues in the background, but that, at the moment, is the basis upon which we’re proceeding.”

Prosecutor Anna Pope told the court that investigations are ongoing regarding the involvement of two men in the killing.

A 33-year-old man from Colwyn Bay and a 42-year-old man from Widnes were arrested in relation to the incident, but were given conditional police bail pending further investigation.

If Harris denies the charge of murder, her trial is likely to last two to three weeks, Judge Rhys Rowlands said.

The inquest into Mr Wilcox’s death has not yet opened.