Man held on suspicion of killing antiques dealer Peter Battle

A MAN has appeared at Hull Crown Court accused of murdering an East Yorkshire antiques dealer.

Graham Richardson, 26, is charged with murdering Peter Battle at his home, Whisper Cottage, in Full Sutton and appeared at court yesterday via video link.

He also faces a charge of stealing "silver items and coins".

Mr Richardson, of Norton in North Yorkshire, was questioned by detectives for five days before being charged on Friday night.

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Police twice had to apply to magistrates to extend the time they could keep him in custody.

His arrest in Malton on Monday last week followed a search by more than 100 officers in the village.

Police believe Mr Battle, 56, could have been dead for weeks before his body was discovered after officers broke into his home.

A post-mortem discovered he died from severe head injuries.

Mr Battle frequently visited auction houses across the region and was a frequent user of the online auction site eBay.

Police are still trying to find a black and silver Advent laptop, which has disappeared from Mr Battle's home.

Detective Chief Inspector Alistair McFarlane said: "We have charged Graham Richardson with Mr Battle's murder but we are continuing our investigation and part of those inquiries centre on items of property we believe to have been stolen from his home."

Mr Richardson, who has been remanded in custody, is due to attend a plea and case management hearing on May 10 and a provisional trial date has been set for July 15.

Anyone with information should call Humberside Police on 101.