A man has made his first appearance before Leeds Crown Court accused of murdering a 48-year-old man in Huddersfield.

Surjit Singh Sidhu had appeared before Kirklees magistrates after the discovery of Martin Ackroyd's body at a flat in Ashenhurst Rise, Newsome.

His case was transferred to the Crown Court in case an application was made for bail but Judge Geoffrey Marson QC was told bail was not being applied for.

Sidhu, 48, of New Hey Road, Marsh, is charged with the murder of father-of-three Mr Ackroyd, 50.

Anastasis Tassou, defending, told the court it was difficult to estimate the length of trial and possible issues until prosecution papers have been served.

Judge Marson agreed for a preliminary hearing to be heard at the court on May 16 and told Sidhu he would be remanded in custody until that date when it is hoped to set a timetable in the case and a possible trial date after consultation with the presiding judge for the North Eastern Circuit.

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