A MAN alleged to have murdered a pensioner following an incident at a Barrow house has had his first crown court hearing.

William Prince, of Abbey Road, appeared remotely on a video link at Preston Crown Court from custody on Monday for a preliminary hearing.

The 64-year-old is alleged to have murdered Geoffrey Kershaw, 90, from Abbey Road, in an incident on March 17.

Cumbria Police confirmed Mr Kershaw died in hospital five days later following the incident.

An inquest into his death was formally opened and then immediately suspended until further order by coroner Robert Cohen on April 11.

No pleas were offered to the court by the defendant on the day of the hearing.

The case was adjourned until May 17 for a plea and trial preparation hearing and a possible trial date was set for September 2.