A man charged with the murder of sex offender Robert Hind refused to leave his cell to attend court.

David Mitchell, 46, of Manchester Road, Cowlersley, had his case heard in his absence by magistrates in Huddersfield today.

Mitchell was charged with Hind’s murder on Monday, hours after human remains were recovered during a police underwater search in Milnsbridge.

A legal adviser at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court told the court that Mitchell was charged with murdering Robert Hind on December 11 at an address in Manchester Road.

“The defendant has not been produced before you and refused to leave his accommodation where he is.”

The legal adviser advised magistrates there could be no bail application because Mitchell had not appeared.

She added: “I would ask you to consider the matter be sent straight to Crown Court.”

Magistrates agreed and Mitchell will remain in custody and the case will next be heard at Leeds Crown Court on Thursday.

Forensic tests are now being carried out to confirm the identity of the remains .

Mitchell was arrested on Friday in connection with a missing person investigation for Hind who had not been seen since last Wednesday .

An area of footpaths alongside the Huddersfield Narrow Canal in Milnsbridge , off Shaw Lane, were cordoned off on Monday.

The underwater search focused along the canal where it runs parallel with Colne Vale Road in Milnsbridge.

Det Supt Scott Wood, the Senior Investigating Officer, said: “A post-mortem examination of the suspected human remains recovered from the Colne Vale area of Huddersfield will take place shortly and a formal identification will follow.”

Det Supt Wood renewed his appeal for witnesses to come forward:

“I am continuing to appeal for anyone who can assist in our investigations and the movements of Robert Hind between 9.20am on Wednesday, December 11, and Saturday, December 14.

“If you can assist, please contact the non emergency number on 101 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.”

Sex offender Hind was jailed indefinitely because of the danger he posed to the public.

But the pervert had his sentence reduced to three years – because of a  legal anomaly.

Hind, 47, had been jailed twice previously for indecently assaulting boys  before his last court appearance in 2011.

He then pleaded guilty to being involved in sexual activity with another  teenage boy.

He was sentenced to indefinite  imprisonment for public protection at  Bradford Crown Court in September,  2011.

But the sentencing judge, Judge Jonathan Rose later admitted that in  passing the sentence he had taken account of Hind’s previous convictions for indecent assault.