Killed woman's 'omelette spiked'

A woman died after her boyfriend served her an omelette and wine laced with drugs, attacked her and trapped her in a burning bedroom, a court heard.

The Old Bailey heard how neighbours tried to rescue Dina Sharpe, 39, after she called for help from a flat in Southwark, south London, last August.

A 17-month-old boy survived the blaze but suffered 75% burns, the jury heard.

Stephen Singer, 36, of Southwark, denies her murder and a charge of attempted murder.

He is also charged with arson which was reckless to human life.

Cries heard

Mr Singer was allegedly seen buying lighter fuel the day before the fire, the jury heard.

Prosecution lawyer Andrew Munday QC said neighbours heard Miss Sharpe's cries and she was seen at a flat window with flames behind her.

Mr Munday said a man in motorcycle gear, alleged to be Singer, was seen casually walking away from the building and rode off "oblivious" to the fire.

The jury was told how four neighbours broke into the house and rescued the boy, but Miss Sharpe died from brain damage caused by injuries to her face and head, not from the fire.

The toddler was found on the bed and had been partially shielded from the flames by Miss Sharpe's body.

You may take the view that there was a plan by this defendant to cause her a fatal overdose or at least to incapacitate her

Prosecution lawyer Andrew Munday QC

However the boy is still undergoing extensive surgery for his injuries, the court heard.

Lighter fuel was found in the room where there were three seats of fire, including one under a suitcase between the bed and bedroom door, the jury was told.

After her death, Miss Sharpe's blood was found to contain traces of sleeping pills, the court heard.

Half of an omelette and some wine, which were found in the flat, were discovered to contain the same drugs.

Mr Munday said Mr Singer had made an omelette but had left his half.

Mr Munday said: "You may take the view that there was a plan by this defendant to cause her a fatal overdose or at least to incapacitate her."

The trial continues.