Murder hearing

TWO men charged with murdering a pensioner who had boiling water poured over him have appeared in court together for the first time.

Rocky Curtis (24) and Robert Holmes (23) both from Wisbech, were due to appear at Lincoln Crown Court by videolink but had to be brought to the court in person after the equipment failed.

Both men are charged with murdering popular grandfather Sonny Grey (70) who died in hospital after he was scalded with water from a kettle at his home in Westwick Drive, Lincoln, on October 29.

Curtis, of Newbridge Lane in Wisbech was arrested in connection with Mr Grey’s murder on 30 April. He was remanded in to custody by Lincoln magistrates the next day.

Holmes, of Redmoor Lane in Wisbech was also charged with Mr Grey’s murder after being arrested on 30 April, and was remanded in to custody by Lincoln magistrates on 2 May.

Both men spoke only to confirm their names when they appeared in the dock at Lincoln Crown Court for a preliminary hearing.

Paul Mann prosecuting, said: “This concerns the Sonny Grey murder. These two were arrested on April 30.”

No pleas were entered and the pair were remanded in to custody. They will next appear at Lincoln Crown Court for a plea and case management hearing on August 2.

A 49-year-old woman has been released on police bail until 6 July. Two other men, aged 27 and 29, were arrested in March and released on police bail.