Chester murder trial: Nicola Bishop cleared of murder charge

Jul 20 2010 by David Holmes, Chester Chronicle

Nicola Bishop

A WOMAN accused of murdering a drug dealer has been acquitted.

A jury at Chester Crown Court was directed to find Nicola Bishop not guilty of murdering Fynn Western-Davey at the Balmoral Park home she shared with co-accused Jason Howells.

Howells remains on trial charged with Mr Western-Davey’s murder.

At 10.40am on Tuesday, July 20, Mr Justice Nigel Teare stated there was no case to answer in the case of Bishop following an application by her defence counsel.

Bishop let out a gasp before clasping her hands to her face and bursting into tears.

Shortly afterwards the jury was brought back into court and the judge explained his ruling.

The forewoman of the jury, on behalf of all 12 members, found Bishop not guilty in accordance with the judge’s direction.

Miss Bishop had an emotional reunion with her family and friends outside the courtroom.

The case against Howells continues.