Murder charge: two in court
Two men accused of murdering 50-year-old Richard Walker at a flat in Scarborough have made their first appearance at Leeds Crown Court.
Two men accused of murdering 50-year-old Richard Walker at a flat in Scarborough have made their first appearance at Leeds Crown Court.
Jonathan Sharp prosecuting told the court on Wednesday October 26 neither Clifford Honeyman nor Andrew Thomas Stevenson were making an application for bail
Both Honeyman, 42 and Stevenson, 39 each of no fixed address are charged with the murder of Richard Ian Walker, known as Ricky, at an address in Princess Street last week.
During a seven minute hearing Mr Sharp told the court the trial was expected to last at least two weeks.
No plea was entered to the charge. Taryn Turner representing Honeyman and Kevin Blount for Stevenson said they admitted presence at the address but denied involvement in any assault.
The body of Mr Walker, 50, was found on October 19. Both men are also charged with two robberies in the previous week.
Judge Geoffrey Mar son QC agreed to fix a plea and trial preparation hearing for November 23. He said he would not fix a trial date today but the court had a slot available between March 7-30 next year as well as one in April.
Police arrested a 54 year old man on suspicion of murder overnight Friday into Saturday who has since been released on bail whilst enquiries continue. Another 54-yearold man, who was arrested on suspicion of murder on Thursday, has been released with no further action.
Police are now appealing for witnesses tracing the victim’s movements in the run up to the incident.
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Please quote reference number 12160190924.