A WOMAN accused of assisting an alleged murderer is now set to be charged with manslaughter herself.

Preston Crown Court heard how prosecutors have added the charge of manslaughter to the indictment faced by 33-year-old Louise Marie Henwood.

The charge relates to the death of 33-year-old Mark Fisher, who was found with fatal stab wounds at a house in Edleston Street, Accrington, at 1pm on January 19.

Joseph Hindle, 45, of Woodside Road, Huncoat, had previously been charged with murdering Mr Fisher.

Henwood, of the same address, was originally charged with assisting Hindle by disposing of items used in the commission of the alleged murder and providing a safe place for him to live.

They were also jointly charged with robbing Mr Fisher of controlled drugs of a value unknown.

However, appearing over the video link from Styal Prison yesterday, Henwood was told by prosecutor Francis McEntee that the indictment against her was being expanded to include the charge of manslaughter.

No pleas were entered to any of the charges as Isobel Thomas, appearing for Henwood, and Andrew Alty, appearing for Hindle, requested an adjournment so they could have conferences with their clients to discuss the change in the prosecution’s case.

A provisional trial date had previously been set for July 13 at Liverpool Crown Court.

Both defendants will now be arraigned over the video link at Preston Crown Court on April 14.

Henwood and Hindle were remanded back into custody.

Judge Robert Altham said: “I am putting this case back until April 14 for the reasons I have set out. There is a significant change in how the prosecution are setting out their case. You both, particularly Ms Henwood, need to receive advice from your barristers.”