SHOCKING photographs of a woman's near-naked body were taken after she was beaten to death by her partner, a court was told.

Shirley Akhurst, 44, was found dead with 41 different injuries at her home in the Slades, Vange, on March 20 last year.

She lived with Brian Hudson, her partner of 11 years, and his brother Peter.

Brian Hudson, 61, is standing trial for her murder at Basildon Crown Court. The court heard Hudson had a camera with him as he was arrested.

When the film was developed, it showed photographs of a heavy drinking session that evening with other family members. Bizarre photographs had also been taken of Ms Akhurst in different positions, on the floor, in the hallway and the lounge.

The court was told a pathologist who studied the pictures believed she was already dead when they were taken.

Prosecutor Anthony Arlidge QC said: "The film revealed some very curious photographs. One shows her on the floor in the hall, her upper half bare except a bra and with leggings on. In another she is in a different position, as if she had moved or someone had moved her.

"In another, one of her legs is bent up and her hands placed as if she is apparently trying to put the leggings on or off.

"When they were taken we believe she was already dead.

"If that's right someone tried to stage the position in which she was found."

The final photograph was of Ms Akhurst in a chair, as Peter Hudson, who had been asleep upstairs, found her.

Unusually the images of the body were shown to the jury, as the prosecution said they formed an important part of the evidence.

Jurors were told Ms Akhurst, who had consumed almost five times the legal driving limit of alcohol, was punched, kicked and stamped on and a poker may have also been used to hit her.

She suffered injuries to her chest, head, and broken ribs.

Bloodstains were found in the lounge and hallway.

Police were called by Peter Hudson when he came downstairs and found her dead.

It was alleged Brian Hudson and Shirley Akhurst had an abusive relationship and Ms Akhurst had confided in friends that he hit her.

The trial continues.