A man accused of murdering convicted sex offender Robert Hind has refused to appear in court for the second time this week.
David Mitchell, 46, who had his case heard in his absence before Huddersfield magistrates earlier this week when he refused to come out of his cell, was due before Leeds Crown Court this morning.
But Mitchell again refused to show his face and judge Peter Collier QC was told he had not been brought from Armley Jail for the same reason.
Mitchell, 46 of Manchester Road, Cowlersley, Huddersfield is charged with the murder of Robert Hind, 47, on December 11.
No application for bail was made.
He was remanded in custody until a preliminary hearing on January 10.
A plea and case management hearing is expected to be held on February 27.
Judge Collier, The Recorder of Leeds, indicated a trial would be in March or June.
Mitchell was originally arrested last week in connection with a missing person investigation for Hind.
An area of footpaths alongside Huddersfield Narrow canal off Shaw Lane in Milnsbridge was subsequently cordoned off and human remains found during a police underwater search.
