Pictured: 18-year-old accused of murdering top George Osborne tax adviser at his secluded country cottage 

  • Paul Jefferies, 52, found dead in his East Sussex cottage on February 25 
  • He was a former HMRC employee who worked advising the Treasury
  • Ben Bamford, 18, denies murder and is on trial at Lewes Crown Court

By Martin Robinson, Uk Chief Reporter For Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

In the dock: Ben Bamford, 18, is accused of killing 52-year-old Paul Jefferies in a 'sustained attack' at his property in Coggins Mill Lane, Mayfield, East Sussex, on February 23.

In the dock: Ben Bamford, 18, was brought by prison van to Lewes Crown Court today where he is accused of murdering Paul Jefferies, 52,

The teenager accused of murdering one of George Osborne's top Treasury advisers arrived at court for his trial today.

Paul Jefferies, 52, was a reclusive figure who barely set foot outside his door since moving from London to the house in Mayfield, East Sussex, where his body was found in February.

Ben Bamford, who turned 18 earlier this year, was brought by prison van to Lewes Crown Court today for the start of his trial.

Mr Jefferies, a top official at HMRC, was found at his home in Coggins Mill Lane on February 25 after colleagues expressed concerns for his welfare.

A post-mortem examination showed he died from multiple injuries.

Mr Jefferies, who was openly gay, had worked for HMRC for 20 years and had helped shaped Government policy on a range of tax and financial issues since Mr Osborne became Chancellor in 2010.

Mr Osborne was removed unceremoniously from the post in Theresa May's Cabinet reshuffle after his friend David Cameron left office.

 

George Osborne

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