A MAN has appeared at Hull Crown Court accused of murdering an East Yorkshire antiques dealer in his own home.
Graham Richardson, 26, is charged with murdering Peter Battle at Whisper Cottage in Full Sutton and appeared at court yesterday via video-link.
He also faces a charge of stealing 'silver items and coins'.
Mr Richardson, of Norton, North Yorkshire, was questioned by detectives for five days before being charged on Friday night. Police twice had to apply to magistrates to extend the time they could keep him in custody.
His arrest in Malton on Monday last week followed a search by more than 100 officers in the village.
Police believe Mr Battle, 56, could have been dead for weeks before his body was discovered after officers broke into his home. A post-mortem discovered he died from severe head injuries.
Detective Chief Inspector Alistair McFarlane, senior investigating officer in the case, said: "We have charged Graham Richardson with Mr Battle's murder but we are continuing our investigation."
Police believe his work as an antiques dealer could be a possible motive for his murder. He frequently visited auction houses across the region and was a frequent user of the online auction site eBay.
Mr Richardon, who has been remanded in custody, is due to attend a plea and case management hearing on May 10 and a provisional trial date has been set for July 15.
Anyone with information should call Humberside Police on 101, quoting log 492 of February 7.
