Stepson in court over murder at mansion
THE stepson of hotel tycoon Sir Richard Sutton appeared before magistrates yesterday charged with his murder.
Thomas Schreiber, 34, is alleged to have stabbed 84-year-old Sir Richard, one of Britain’s most richest men, in an attack at his country mansion on April 7.
Police were called to the £2million home and Mr Sutton was pronounced dead at the scene.
An initial post-mortem examination last week indicated the cause of death was stab wounds to his chest.
Schreiber is also charged with the attempted murder of his mother, Anne Schreiber, 65, during the incident at Moorhill in the hamlet of Higher Langham, Dorset.
She remains in a critical condition in hospital.
Security
The defendant faces a third count of dangerous driving in relation to the night of the alleged attack.
Wearing a grey sweatshirt, Schreiber was flanked by a security guard as he appeared in the dock at Poole Magistrates’ Court.
He had a thick bandage wrapped around his right hand and wrist.
Softly spoken, Schreiber confirmed his name, date of birth and his home address of Moorhill.
Sir Richard was listed at number 435 in the Sunday Times Rich List last year, with an estimated family fortune of £301million.
His company owns London hotels the Sheraton Grand in Park Lane and the Athenaeum, plus three smaller venues.
He also had an extensive property and farming portfolio.
No pleas were entered to the three charges and no application for bail was made.
Schreiber is scheduled to appear at Winchester Crown Court today.