THIS is the man accused of the Skelmanthorpe murder.
James Spencer, 24, appeared before Dewsbury magistrates accused of murdering 65-year-old Peter Green.
Spencer, who used to play tuba in Honley Band, was accused of killing the pensioner when he appeared before the court yesterday morning.
Mr Green was found dead at a house on Lidgett Lane in Skelmanthorpe at 5.20am on Sunday.
He had died from multiple injuries.
Spencer did not enter a plea during the short hearing which lasted just 10 minutes.
Spencer looked dishevelled as he stood in the dock, flanked by two security guards.
He wore a bright red jumper, dark trousers and listened intently throughout the hearing.
He spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth.
His defence solicitor, Bob Carr, asked for the case to be transferred to Bradford Crown Court. The magistrates agreed to that request.
Neither the defendant’s family nor friends were in court for the brief hearing yesterday morning.
Spencer was remanded in custody and will appear before Bradford Crown Court next Wednesday.
