Trial date for man accused of murdering his mother

Brenda Breed, 87, died in Westonzoyland on Tuesday

A man accused of murdering his mother has been remanded into custody and will face trial in January.

Richard Breed, 62, is charged with killing 87-year-old Brenda Breed on Tuesday morning.

Paramedics pronounced the pensioner dead in Monmouth Close, Westonzoyland, near Bridgwater.

Mr Breed, of no fixed address, was excused from attending the brief hearing at Bristol Crown Court earlier.

Judge Peter Blair KC, the Honorary Recorder of Bristol, said the trial would begin on 5 January and last up to six days.

A plea and trial preparation hearing is due to take place on 29 August.

Ms Breed's relatives said she was "a remarkable and much-loved woman".

In a statement, they said there were "no words to describe the pain and devastation which has rippled through our family, friends and the community".