A 55-year-old man charged with the murder of a mum-of-six in Brantham will enter a plea to the charge next year.

Roy Barclay, of no fixed abode, appeared before Ipswich Crown Court on Wednesday afternoon.

The 55-year-old has been charged with the murder of Anita Rose in Brantham in July this year. 

Ms Rose, 57, had left her house at around 5am on Wednesday July 24 2024 to take her springer spaniel dog, Bruce, for a walk but was found critically injured by a member of the public at approximately 6.25am.

Ms Rose was found by a male cyclist lying on a track road near the sewage works and railway line, off Rectory Lane, unconscious and he called an ambulance.

The 57-year-old was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital having sustained serious head injury and facial injuries, where she sadly died four days later on Sunday, July 28.

During the short hearing at Ipswich Crown Court, a trial and preparation hearing was set for January 31, 2025.

Judge Martyn Levett also set a preliminary trial date of May 27.

Barclay appeared at Suffolk Magistrates Court on Wednesday morning.

Anita Rose died four days after being found unconscious in Brantham.Anita Rose died four days after being found unconscious in Brantham. (Image: Suffolk Constabulary)

He spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and that he is of no fixed address.

Following the hearing at Ipswich Crown Court, Barclay was remanded in custody.