A CROWN court plea hearing for a West Cumbria man accused of murdering his “gentle giant” brother has been postponed.
Sean Blaney, 37, faces one charge, which alleges that he murdered elder sibling George Leon Blaney in June this year.
Known as Leon and aged 39, he was pronounced dead after police and paramedics attended his home at Garnet Crescent in Salterbeck, Workington, Cumbria on June 23rd after a call reporting a sudden death was received at around 1-25pm.
During a subsequent court hearing it was revealed that he had been found dead in bed by his 70-year-old mother. In a tribute, Mr Blaney’s family had described him as a “gentle giant and a good friend to many”.
Sean Blaney appeared at Carlisle Crown Court this morning (MON) over a video link, and had been due to enter a plea to the allegation he faces. Wearing a yellow polo shirt he spoke to confirm his name and date of birth, and to say he could hearing proceedings clearly.
However, after hearing short submissions from the defendant’s barrister, Judge Simon Medland QC adjourned the hearing.
A trial, with a seven-day estimate, has been provisionally fixed for January, 2021. A hearing to check on the progress of the case is due to be held before then, on December 16, and in the meantime Blaney was remanded in custody by the judge.
