A RETIRED vet appeared in the dock before a crown court judge today accused of murdering his 83-year-old wife.

Philip Williamson, dressed in a navy blue suit and tie was not arraigned on the charge during the short hearing, pending further reports.

The 88-year-old is accused of murdering his wife of more than 60 years, Josephine, at the couple's large detached home.

Detectives found Mrs Williamson's body when they arrived at the house on Elm Lane, Earley, on November 21 last year.

A post-mortem examination conducted by a Home Office pathologist revealed the 83-year-old had suffered multiple injuries.

Williamson, a former vet who lived behind the practise he set up, appeared before Judge Johanna Cutts at Reading Crown Court, and the grandfather, represented by Nadia Chbat, was not arraigned and only spoke to confirm his name.

He faces a single charge of murder.

A provisional trial date was set for July 4 and the case, prosecuted by Michael Roques, was adjourned until June 10 when Mr Williamson was expected to enter a plea.

Releasing Williamson on bail, Judge Cutts said: "I am setting down directions to ensure that everything moves as smoothly as it can.

"I will grant you bail on the same conditions as before."

Williamson was hospitalised at Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital after his wife's body was found as he was suffering from knife wounds to his stomach.

Friends of Mrs Williamson said at the time of her death that the retired PE teacher been suffering from poor memory among other health problems.

Her husband was also the past president of the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons and was regularly called in as an animal expert for TV adverts.