A man has denied murdering a pensioner in York.
Jason Holdgate, 32, is accused of killing 72-year-old Michael Bradley whose body was found at a property in Huntington on 4 November.
Mr Holdgate appeared at Leeds Crown Court today when he pleaded not guilty to the prosecution’s allegation that he murdered Mr Bradley on 30 October.
Mr Holdgate’s co-accused, 42-year-old Nicola Anne Beck, has yet to enter a plea to the charge.
Judge Guy Kearl KC, the Recorder of Leeds, confirmed the trial date as 12 May next year. It is expected to last up to 10 days.
Mr Holdgate, of Whitethorn Close, York, was remanded in custody until then.
Ms Beck, of no fixed address, will appear for a plea hearing on 14 March. She has also been remanded in custody.
Police were called to an address on Whitethorn Close in Huntington at 11.44am on 4 November from someone concerned for the welfare of Mr Bradley who had not been seen for a number of days.
Officers found his body and launched a murder investigation.