A6 murder trial opens . The A6 murder trial of James Hanratty , 25 , opened at the Bedfordshire Assizes . Hanratty is accused of murdering Michael Gregsten , 36 , and of raping and attempting to murder Gregstens ' s companion , Valerie Storie , 23 , at Deadman ' s Hill on the A6 road near Bedford last August . Photo shows ; A general view of the Assize court at Bedford where the trial opened today . 22 January 1962