THE case of a waiter charged with murdering his mother was mentioned in court yesterday (Tuesday, October 7).

Alex McDonald, 27, did not appear at the hearing at Exeter Crown Court, when the case was adjourned until Thursday, October 30.

Mr McDonald, who worked at a restaurant in Taunton, is accused of killing Catherine McDonald, 57, in their home at Hilly Park, Norton Fitzwarren, last week.

Post mortem tests showed she died from stabbing and asphyxiation.

Her body was discovered by police when they broke down her door after she had been reported missing from her job as a cook in a care home.

Mr McDonald was arrested and appeared at Taunton Magistrates’ Court on Saturday morning, when the case was moved to Exeter.

Ms McDonald’s parents have spoken of their shock at the death of their “dear daughter” and asked to be left to grieve in private.