Funeral of popular Chesterfield pensioner Graham Snell who was allegedly murdered has taken place, says relative

The jury sitting in the trial of a man accused of murdering Graham Snell had to be dismissed last month due to concerns over the coronavirus.

Now, Steven Ashton, a relative of Mr Snell, who attended the trial of Daniel Walsh - the man accused of killing and dismembering the 72-year-old - has contacted your Times.

He said that Mr Snell’s funeral took place at Chesterfield Crematorium on Tuesday, April 7.

“It was nice to finally lay him to rest and know that he is at peace,” he said. “He will be sadly missed.”

In March, one of the barristers involved in the trial of Walsh was forced to go into self-isolation, as had at least one member of the jury.The move forced Judge Normal Shant QC, who was presiding over the 30-year-old’s case at Derby Crown Court to dismiss the jury.Walsh has admitted he dismembered Mr Snell with two saws he bought from a DIY store before burying body parts in woodland and down a badger sett in Chesterfield.

At the time, the Lord Chief Justice ruled that only essential legal matters should be put before the courts and trials expected to last more than three days should not begin until it is safe to do so.Walsh, of Marsden Street, denies murder, and the trial is expected to begin again from scratch later this year.