A MAN has made his first appearance at Crown Court charged with beating another man to death.
Craig McGowan, 35, was found in his flat in Dursley, Whiston, with head injuries.
He was discovered unconscious and sprawled on the floor by his mother, Barbara Heaps. She had gone round to visit him after he failed to answer the phone for their daily chat.
Mr McGowan, who was partially-sighted, was taken to Whiston hospital but died the following day.
Peter Howarth, of Dursley, Whiston, yesterday made his first appearance at Liverpool Crown Court charged with the murder on June 23.
The 30-year-old spoke only to confirm his name and that he had understood proceedings.
He did not enter a plea.
The Recorder of Liverpool, Judge Henry Globe, QC, fixed a fresh hearing for September 30.
A trial date was also set for December 14.
