A MAN has appeared in court accused of murdering Guy Hamilton in Barrow.

Damien Hill, 44, spoke only to confirm his name and that he understood proceedings when he appeared in the dock at Preston Crown Court.

Hill is accused of murdering Mr Hamilton, known locally as “Ormsgill’s finest”, after he was found with serious injuries outside his flat in Meetings View at around 10pm on April 30.

He was taken to Furness General Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Hill, 35, was arrested and charged with Mr Hamilton's murder but he has not yet entered any pleas in respect of the death.

The Honorary Recorder of Preston, Judge Mark Brown, agreed to reschedule the trial, originally due to start on October 10 for March next year to allow further investigations to take place.

After hearing submissions from the prosecution and defence the judge ruled it was "in the interests of justice" to postpone the trial.

Hill will remain in custody until he returns to Preston Crown Court to answer the charge on December 16.

Following Mr Hamilton’s death, a number of fundraising events took place to pay for his funeral.

The community also held a candlelit vigil for Mr Hamilton, who was described as “the caretaker of Ormsgill.”

Judge Brown said he was reluctant to reschedule the trial due to the effect on Mr Hamilton’s family, who he said acted with great dignity when a previous hearing was adjourned.

However he said it was necessary to re-list the case for March 13.