Man denies murdering dad days before Christmas

News imageCumbria Police Stanley Smith smiling and wearing a blue bucket hat with the words Sergio Tacchini written on in white lettering. He appears as though he is on holiday in a park. A stone lion is behind him. He has a small stud earring and wears a white T-shirt. The straps of a black backpack can also be seen.Cumbria Police
Stanley Smith was found dead at his home in Silloth on 22 December

A man has denied murdering his father days before Christmas.

Brian James Stanley Smith, 33, pleaded not guilty to killing 73-year-old Stanley Smith on 22 December.

Stanley Smith, of Fell Close in Silloth, Cumbria, was pronounced dead at an address in the town after police were contacted at 5:35 GMT to reports of an unresponsive man.

Appearing at Carlisle Crown Court via video link from custody, Brian Smith, wearing a grey jumper, spoke to confirm his name and that he could hear the court proceedings.

A trial is due to start on 20 July with Brian Smith, of Friars Garth, Abbeytown, to be held on remand.

Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.