A 92-year-old man has been remanded in custody after appearing in court accused of raping and murdering a woman who was found strangled in her home 57 years ago.

Ryland Headley, from Ipswich, Suffolk, was arrested on Tuesday in connection with the murder of 75-year-old Louise Dunne, who was found dead by a neighbor in the Easton area of ​​Bristol in 1967.

He was charged overnight and appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday via video link from a police station.

District Judge Lynne Matthews told him: “There are two charges against you.

“The first is that between June 26 and 29, 1967, in Easton, Bristol, you killed Louisa Dunne.

“The second charge is that, between the same dates, at Bristol, you raped Louisa Dunne, a woman.”

He spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address and that he understood the hearing to be held as if he were physically present in court.

The judge added: “The two matters will be sent to the crown court.

“A hearing at Bristol Crown Court will take place tomorrow at or around 10am.

“I have no power to look into your bail matter and you will therefore be remanded in custody until tomorrow.”

Mrs Dunne’s body was found by a neighbor at her home in Britannia Road, Easton, Bristol, on June 28, 1967.

Her cause of death was recorded as strangulation and asphyxiation.

Speaking ahead of Headley’s court appearance, Detective Inspector Dave Marchant of Avon and Somerset Police said: “This development marks a hugely significant moment in this investigation.

“Now that the criminal proceedings are ongoing, it is important to emphasize that the defendant has the right to a fair trial.

“Any speculation or misinformation regarding the circumstances of this case has the potential to prejudice these ongoing proceedings.

“We have informed Louise’s family of this charging decision and a specialist liaison officer will continue to support them over the coming days, weeks and months.”

Headley, of Clarence Road, will appear at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday.