A WORKINGTON man accused of murdering his mother earlier this week has made his second appearance in court.
Lee Sowerby, 45, appeared at Carlisle Crown Court over a video link from Durham prison earlier this morning (FRI) in front of Judge Peter Davies.
Sowerby faces one charge which alleges the murder of his 69-year-old mother, Mary Annie Sowerby – who was known as “Annie” – at Dearham, near Maryport, on Tuesday, January 22.
Police were called at 10-15am that morning by the ambulance service to an address at Main Street, Dearham.
A force spokesman said a 69-year-old woman had suffered “serious injuries”, and was treated at the address but subsequently died.
Sowerby, of Honister Drive, Workington, was arrested and charged with murder.
During a 10-minute preliminary hearing at Carlisle Crown Court this morning, he spoke to confirm his name, date of birth, nationality and that he could hear proceedings clearly. Shaven-headed and with a goatie beard, he wore a light-coloured T-shirt as he listened to submissions made by Jeremy Grout-Smith for the prosecution, and defence lawyer David Thompson.
A timetable for the progression of the case was outlined by Mr Grout-Smith.
Mr Thompson indicated that no plea would be entered by the defendant at this stage.
Sowerby is next due to appear at the crown court for a plea and case management hearing on May 20. A trial date has been provisionally listed for June 24 with a five-day estimate.
In the meantime, Sowerby was remanded in custody by Judge Davies.
