TWO people have been charged with murder after an 'extensive' investigation by Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Unit.

The investigation started following the death of James Sootheran, aged 59, who was known by his middle name, Anthony.

Mr Sootheran was found dead at his home in South Newington, Oxfordshire, on  March 18, 2014.

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The post mortem found that Mr Sootheran died from pneumonia, which was caused by malnourishment.

Lynda Rickard, aged 60, of Edinburgh Close, Banbury, has today been charged with one count of murder, one count of manslaughter, four counts of fraud by false representation and one count of fraud by abuse of position.

She is also charged with two counts of 'making a false instrument with intent it be accepted as genuine', two counts of conspiring to pervert the course of justice, and one count of 'possess/control article for use in fraud'.

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Wayne Rickard, aged 64, also of Edinburgh Close, Banbury, has been charged with one count of murder, one count of causing/allowing the death of a vulnerable adult, one count of fraud by false representation, and one count of conspiring to pervert the course of justice.

The pair are due to appear at Oxford Magistrates’ Court today.