Man pleads not guilty to murder of father days before Christmas in Silloth
Stanley Smith was pronounced dead on 22nd December
A man has appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to the murder of his father just days before Christmas.
Seventy-three-year-old Stanley Smith, of Fell Close, Silloth, was pronounced deceased at an address in the town on Monday, 22nd December.
Police had been contacted at 5-35am amid a report of an unresponsive man at the property.
His son, 33-year-old Brian James Stanley Smith, appeared at Carlisle Crown Court this morning (mon) remotely, over a video link from custody.
Smith junior faces one charge. This alleges that he murdered Stanley Smith on or about 22nd December, 2025.
During an eight-minute hearing in front of Judge Nicholas Barker, Smith junior formally pleaded not guilty to the murder charge.
Wearing a grey jumper, he had also spoken to confirm his name and to say that he could hear the court proceedings clearly.
A trial date has previously been set in the case. This is due to start at the crown court on Monday, 20th July.
Smith must attend a review hearing on 13th April. On that date, the status of medical evidence in the case is due to be considered by Judge Barker and also barristers representing the prosecution and defence.
In the meantime, Smith, of Friars Garth, Abbeytown, remains remanded in custody.