A MAN accused of battering a frail widower to death as he slept has made his first appearance at Crown Court.
David Gard, who had learning difficulties, suffered fatal head injuries after being beaten in his bedroom.
Firefighters discovered the 64-year-old’s body after being called to tackle four separate fires in the downstairs of his home on Adelaide Road, Kensington, Liverpool, in the early hours of March 13.
He was pulled from the blaze, but died later in hospital.
John Hodson appeared at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday charged with Mr Gard’s murder.
The 26-year-old spoke only to confirm his name during a short hearing in which he appeared via video link from HMP Liverpool.
The court heard Hodson, of Crocus Street, Everton, is also charged with robbing Joanne Wardle on December 24, 2007.
He was on bail for the robbery when he was arrested and charged with the murder.
The Recorder of Liverpool, Judge Henry Globe, QC, remanded Hodson in custody until September 4 when he will appear for a plea and case management hearing for the robbery.
Judge Globe fixed a trial date for the robbery of October 10, while a trial date for the murder was set for January 12.
