A man has appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to the murder of his father just days before Christmas.
Stanley Smith, 73, of Fell Close, Silloth, was pronounced dead at an address in the town on Monday December 22.
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 remotely, over a video link from custody.
It is alleged that he murdered Stanley Smith on or about December 22 2025.
During an eight-minute hearing in front of Judge Nicholas Barker, Smith junior formally pleaded not guilty to the murder charge.
He also confirmed 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 July 20.
Smith must attend a review hearing on April 13.
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.
