'Poisoned' couple's daughter originally arrested for their murder

THE daughter of a couple who were allegedly poisoned with fentanyl was arrested on suspicion of murder and later released before a family friend was charged, a jury has heard.

- Sam Russell

Ellie Baxter told the court that Luke D'Wit, who is on trial accused of murdering Stephen and Carol Baxter with the opioid painkiller, had been like a brother.

D'Wit, 34, is accused of rewriting a will for Mr Baxter, 61, and his 64-year-old wife the day after they were found dead at their home in Mersea Island in Essex last April.

Their daughter Ellie, giving evidence in court, agreed with a barrister that D'Wit had loaned her thousands of pounds.

Adam Davis KC, for D'Wit, told her: "I can give you a total, which was well over £7,000." Mr Davis added: "At no point did he ever say 'no' to you."