DIFFICULTIES accommodating Timothy Crook in Bristol mean the double murder suspect could be tried in Nottingham – at a cost of more than £40,000 to the taxpayer.

The 50-year-old has been detained in high-security psychiatric hospital Rampton since 2008 following his arrest on suspicion of killing his parents Robert, 82, and Elsie, 76, of Greenmeadow.

Crook appeared at Bristol Crown Court via video link yesterday dressed in a black suit and tie, fidgeting slightly throughout proceedings.

His wishes to be present for the trial, expected to last around three weeks, and the lack of secure hospital beds in the Bristol area means he could be transferred to Nottingham Crown Court, a move which could prompt ‘severe delays’ in the judicial process.

A trial date of July 6 has been reserved at Bristol Crown Court with a High Court judge.

Andrew Langdon, for the prosecution, said: “The daughter of the deceased and her husband are both in court today.

“The parties are agreed we would seek to persuade the court to keep the trial date and venue.

“The original position was Fromeside were prepared to accommodate Mr Crook, and a cost of £40,000 would have to be expanded upon wherever the trial is held.

“This is a case which involves witnesses from Swindon, including an elderly couple aged 79 and 84, along with other witnesses local to Swindon.

“The cost to the public purse if the trial is transferred to Nottingham is around £10,000 for the police, not including CPS costs or movement of witnesses.”

Sarah Jones, defending, said: “Mr Crook would like this trial to be heard sooner rather than later. It is important to him that he is physically present in court and able to participate fully.

“There seems to be some concern that the hospital cannot guarantee a bed locally.

“That said, it is hard to imagine there will be a case with greater priority than this one.

“Any transfer would cause significant delays and distress for both sides of the case.”

Judge Neil Ford WC, presiding, referred the matter to the High Court judge.

“If a hospital says it would be safer to try him at a local crown court and it is going to cost £40,000, that cannot be overlooked,” he said.