Murder accused claimed woman found in freezer was alive

A man accused of murdering a woman whose dismembered body was found in a freezer, came up with "fantasies" about her living in Australia, his cousin has told court.

George Gordon, from Gerards Court in St Helens is accused of murdering his friend Delia McInerney who was 62, in April 2023.

Gordon, 65, who appeared in the dock at Liverpool Crown Court for the first time on Thursday, has admitted killing Delia but claims it was self defence and denies her murder.

John Lawler, the defendant's cousin, told the jury that Gordon and Delia were like "business partners and soulmates", who regularly visited art galleries and went on holiday together.

He told the court that, as far as he was aware, Delia was living in Australia and keeping a low profile.

Lawler said he was also told on different occasions that Delia had been in Cyprus, Spain and Portugal.

In late 2025, over two years after she is said to have died, Lawler said he was told by George Gordon that Delia was living in Cornwall. Lawler said these were fantasies.

Lawler told the jury he had known Delia for approximately 15 years, and that he had not seen any physical violence between the two - just "verbal" arguments.

Asked when cross-examined whether Delia was in control of the relationship, Lawler replied "no".

Her dismembered body was found in Gordon's flat in St Helens along with her five dead guinea pigs in January this year.

Gordon denies murder and causing unnecessary suffering to animals.

The trial, which is expected to last six weeks, continues.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.