David Turner, 54, who runs an undertaking firm in Thetford, Norfolk, is thought to have mixed up the bodies of Sheila Gent, 58, and Edith Kemp, 97.

Both women died in late 1996 and had lived in the Thetford area.

Mrs Kemp should have been cremated in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk while Mrs Gent was to have been buried near Fakenham, Norfolk.

Mr Turner is accused of deceitfully obtaining more than �2,000 in funeral costs, stealing a diamond ring worth �10,500 from a person unknown, and making a false statement under the Cremation Act of 1902.

He denies all charges and has been freed on bail.