Man denies murder of 94-year-old

Paul Topham, 45, was told his case had been adjourned for trial, with a date to be fixed

A man has denied murdering a 94-year-old but admits burgling his home in Wolverhampton.

Paul Topham, 45, pleaded guilty to taking a key fob, glasses, paperwork and enamel badges from Harold Monk's home on Inglewood Avenue in Bradmore on 3 October.

Appearing at Wolverhampton Crown Court, Mr Topham pleaded not guilty to an additional charge of murdering Mr Monk, who died in hospital the day after the burglary.

The public gallery was full as the defendant, whose address was previously given as Palmerston Road, Birmingham, was told his case had been adjourned for trial.

Judge Michael Chambers KC told Mr Topham the date of the trial, which was expected to last at least five days, needed to be fixed.

"If you choose not to attend your trial, it may proceed in your absence," he said.