Man in court over bungalow death

Harold Lindley lived alone in Walker Grove

A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of an 89-year-old former army captain found badly beaten in his Tyneside bungalow.

Harold Lindley died in hospital almost a month after being attacked in Walker Grove, Walker, on 17 April.

Michael Stephenson, 20, of Westbury Avenue, Walkergate, was remanded in custody to appear before Newcastle Crown Court on July 7.

He had earlier been remanded, charged with robbery and grievous bodily harm.

Mr Lindley was a retired captain in the Green Howards regiment who had served in India, Africa and Egypt.

He had been recovering from the effects of a stroke at his bungalow, where he had lived alone since the death of his wife Evelyn in 2004.

Police believe Mr Lindley, a great-grandfather, lay overnight before being discovered by neighbours.

He died after 26 days on a life-support machine at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary.