A MAN accused of murdering an antiques dealer has been charged with robbing a gold dealer.
Graham Richardson, 26, is accused of murdering Peter Battle at his home in Whisper Cottage in Full Sutton.
It is alleged he stole silver items and coins.
Police believe Mr Battle, 56, was killed between December 29 and January 1.
It is claimed the theft happened between December 29 and January 28.
Mr Richardson has appeared at Hull Crown Court for a preliminary hearing charged with robbery and possessing heroin with intent to supply.
Mr Richardson, of Norton, North Yorkshire, appeared for the hearing via a video link from Wakefield Prison.
He is charged with robbery along with two other defendants, Peter Egan and Darren Archer.
Prosecutor Christopher Smith told the court it is alleged Mr Richardson was in debt and robbed a gold dealer in York.
The court heard the man had a substantial amount of money on him and was expecting to carry out a business deal for scrap gold when he was robbed.
The prosecution has applied to Hull Crown Court to join the murder charge and the robbery charge together on the same indictment to enable Mr Richardson to be tried at the same time for all the offences.
The court heard the trial is expected to last five weeks and will either take place later this year or next, depending on when court time is available.
Mr Richardson is next due to appear at Hull Crown Court for a plea and case management hearing for the robbery charge in August.
A trial date for the murder in July has now been postponed due to the new charges.
Judge Jeremy Richardson told him: "The trial is not going to take place in three weeks' time, it will have to go off.
"The trial will be a great dealer longer than was originally thought. We are all working to get the case on as quickly as possible.
"You are remanded in custody in the meantime."
Mr Richardson had been arrested in connection with Mr Battle's death in Malton following a search by more than 100 officers in Mr Battle's 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.
Mr Battle visited auction houses across the region and was a frequent user of the online auction site eBay.
Police are still trying to find a black and silver Advent laptop, which has disappeared from Mr Battle's home.
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