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India Chipchase trial: Accused murderer was 'trained to kill' court hears

A former bookkeeper accused of the rape and murder of an Adelaide doctor’s daughter was reportedly “trained to kill” a jury has heard.

Edward Tenniswood, the man accused of the brutal slaying of India Chipchase, reportedly told a neighbor he was a former soldier according to the BBC.

He stands accused of luring her to his home then raping and throttling Chipchase, 20, to death.

Tenniswood, 52, of Stanley Road, Northampton, has denied all charges.

India Chipchase and her father Jeremy, an Adelaide doctor. Photo: Facebook
India Chipchase and her father Jeremy, an Adelaide doctor. Photo: Facebook

Tenniswood spotted India Chipchase on the early hours of January 30 outside NB’s cocktail bar in Northampton, UK, in what has been described as a ‘very drunk’ state.

The 20-year-old was reportedly separated from her friends and a doorman who feared for her welfare had already put her in a taxi in an attempt to get her home safely.

However, the court heard how Miss Chipchase left the vehicle before she was allegedly approached by Tenniswood, who ‘led, steered or escorted’ her into another taxi.

One day later, the private school girl was found dead at Tenniswood’s apartment.

It was found that she had died from pressure to the neck.

On day one of the murder trial, the Birmingham Crown Court heard how Miss Chipchase allegedly tried to fight off Tenniswood after she was taken to his home.

It’s alleged he strangled and raped her during the struggle, before ‘reclothing’ his victim and wrapping her in a sheet.

It’s believed he then fled the home and went to the Idris hotel.

India Chipchase was allegedly raped and strangled to death. Photo: Facebook
India Chipchase was allegedly raped and strangled to death. Photo: Facebook

Prosecutor Chris Donnellan QC said Miss Chipchase was barely able to stand when she was outside the nightclub.

“For whatever reason - whether it was something said in the taxi - she got out of the taxi and reappeared outside NBs. It was while in this fairly pickled state that the defendant arrived outside NBs.”

The prosecutor claimed Tenniswood was also refused entry to the nightclub.

“It had not been too long when he spotted India and went up to her.. Others who saw them thought he knew her. He did not.

“He was overheard to be saying: ‘Not to worry, I will get you home safe.’ He did not.”

Mr Donnellan alleged Miss Chipchase struggled during the attack as she was later found with blood under one fingernail.

Tenniswood was found with a scratch mark to his neck, and marks on his arms and legs when he was arrested.

Chipchase was dating NZ Rugby Player Evaan Reihana.
Chipchase was dating NZ Rugby Player Evaan Reihana.

The court heard Miss Chipchase suffered blunt force trauma to her head and face and had a graze on her ear.

The prosecution claimed Tenniswood checked into the Ibis hotel in Mare Fair about 9.30pm the night of the alleged murder.

It’s claimed Tenniswood attempted to cover his tracks.

“He covered her in a sheet and left her… Her death was no dreadful accident, because if it had been he would have called for an ambulance, he would have started CPR, asked for help,” the prosecutor claimed.

“However, what he did was removed her belongings and placed them round the house. There were lots of other women's items generally distributed around the house.

“He was fully aware of what he was doing and put on a pair of plastic, vinyl gloves – they were later found in a bag of rubbish. Her blood was on the outside and his DNA was on the inside.”

Miss Chipchase was dating professional Kiwi rugby player Evaan Reihana.

Reihana, who plays for Bordeaux Begles in France, dedicated his career to her.

Miss Chipchase had been studying a diploma in health and social care and lived with her mother Suzanne.

Her father, Jeremy, lived in Adelaide, employed as an obstetrician and gynecologist.

News break – July 26