The trial of a Hitchin woman charged with murdering her half-sister in Letchworth has been delayed by today’s strike by prison officers.

Yvonne Caylor, 53, of Grove Road, is accused of killing 26-year-old Nicola Collingbourne, whose body was found at Nicola’s home in Ivel Court on Letchworth’s Jackmans estate on Tuesday, May 24.

The walkout has affected trials across the UK, with prisoners on remand unable to attend court.

Despite the defendant’s absence, Judge Michael Kay QC at Luton Crown Court declared today the first day of the trial, which is expected to last two or three weeks.

Ms Caylor is to be represented by Graham Trembath QC. The prosecutor is John Price QC.

The High Court this afternoon ordered prison officers to return to work. Proceedings are set to continue tomorrow.