A West Cumbrian man has appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of his elder brother.
Sean Blaney, 38, stands accused of murdering 39-year-old George Leon Blaney some time after June 21 last year.
Known as Leon, Mr Blaney was pronounced dead after police and paramedics attended his home at Garnet Crescent in Salterbeck, Workington, after a call reporting a sudden death was received at around 1.25pm on June 23.
A previous court hearing was told that the body of Mr Blaney was found by his 70-year-old mother, while a coroner who opened an inquest into his death noted he was an administrator by occupation.
In a moving tribute issued after his death, his family described him as a “gentle giant and a good friend to many”.
At Carlisle Crown Court this morning, his younger sibling Sean Blaney entered a plea of not guilty to the murder charge that he faces.
Blaney appeared remotely for the short hearing over a video link, wearing a light blue T-shirt.
Blaney, of Shore Terrace, Salterbeck, was told he will stand trial in front of a jury later this year. This trial is scheduled to start on October 25.
Gordon Cole QC appeared for the prosecution at today’s hearing, and Richard Pratt QC for the defendant.
Blaney was given a number of reminders ahead of the trial by Judge Simon Medland QC.
This includes the requirement to submit a statement — setting out his defence and the issues he takes with the prosecution case — if he has not already done so.
In the meantime he was remanded in custody by Judge Medland.
