A FORMER computer-ink salesman accused of the murder of Full Sutton businessman Peter Battle in his rural cottage has elected to stand trial.
Mr Graham Richardson, 26, of Riverside View in Norton, made a 10-minute video appearance from Wakefield Prison at Hull Crown Court on Friday.
He pleaded not guilty as the charge of murdering Mr Battle was put to him.
Mr Battle, 56, an antiques dealer and trader on eBay, was found dead in face down in the living room of his bungalow in Full Sutton in January.
He had been dead for some time and had suffered multiple head and body injuries from a weapon.
Mr Richardson wore a grey sweatshirt and appeared via video camera link during a 10-minute hearing.
He also pleaded not guilty to one charge of theft of property to a value unknown at Mr Battle’s address between December 29, 2012 and January 28 this year.
Crown barrister Nicholas Lumbley, QC, set out the timetable for the case.
He said there would need to be a three-week trial.
Defence barrister Richard Simons said his client still had time to submit his defence statement.
Judge Michael Mettyear said the case was initially reserved for a High Court Judge and could possibly take place from July 15.
He said the venue would either be Sheffield Crown Court or Hull Crown Court.
Mr Richardson made no application for bail and was remanded in custody.
* A funeral service for Mr Battle is set to take place on Monday at the crematorium in York.