A man accused of murdering his dad just days before Christmas has appeared in court.
Stanley Smith, 73, of Fell Close, Silloth, was pronounced dead at an address in the town on Monday.
Police had been contacted at 5.35am amid a report of an unresponsive man at the property.
Brian James Stanley Smith, 33, appeared at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court today and faces a single charge which alleges that he murdered Stanley Smith senior on Sunday, December 21.
During a two-minute court hearing in front of district judge Philip Holden, Brian Smith did not enter a plea to the charge, which is so serious that it can only be dealt with at a crown court.
Smith appeared from custody and spoke from the court dock to confirm his full name, address and date of birth.
He was represented by solicitor John Cooper, who attended court remotely via a video link.
No details of the allegation were outlined by the prosecution during today’s short hearing.
Smith’s case was sent to Carlisle Crown Court where he is due to appear in front of a judge on Monday, December 29.
Smith, of Acre Dales, Abbeytown, is not entitled by law, to make an application for bail at this early stage of the criminal proceedings.
Until the next court hearing on Monday he remains remanded in custody.
