The jury has been selected ahead of the trial over the death of a man at a traveller site in Wickford.

Levi Draper, 27, of Cranfield Park Avenue, WIckford, and Harriet Crittenden, 25, of the same address, appeared in the dock at Chelmsford Crown Court ahead of the trial which is due to begin tomorrow morning.

Hugh Doherty, 45, died of a gunshot wound to the chest after an incident in the Willow Farm traveller site in Cranfield Park Avenue on Sunday, April 16.

Draper, who appeared wearing a white shirt with a black jacket, was charged with Mr Doherty’s murder, as well as the attempted murder of Mr Doherty’s sister, Esther Doherty, possession of a firearm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon. He denies the charges.

Harriet Crittenden, who was wearing a black and white striped blouse, appeared beside Draper and is charged with the attempted murder of Esther Doherty and possession of a knife. She also denies the charges.

The public gallery was full with family members of the defendants who were awaiting the start of proceedings.

The court heard there will be five witnesses called to give evidence during the trial, which is expected to last up to five weeks.

A jury of seven men and five women was selected from a pool of 57 potential jurors this morning.

The trial will being tomorrow morning.