A man has appeared in Court accused of the murder of an armed services veteran.

Michael Dalton, 44, made a two-minute appearance at Leeds Magistrates’ Court yesterday after police charged him and produced him at court.

Dalton, of Currer Street, Little Germany, has been charged with murdering Alan Pedder, 80, at Laisterdyke, Bradford, between Thursday, August 26, this year, and Saturday, August 28.

Mr Pedder was initially described by police as being 86.

Prosecutor Mark Haigh applied for a remand in custody. Dalton’s solicitor, Theresa Clark, did not make an application for bail.

Deputy District Judge Clews remanded Dalton into custody to appear at Leeds Crown Court tomorrow.

Mr Pedder, a widower for about 25 years and a former Army serviceman, was found dead at his home in Gibson Street, Laisterdyke, Bradford, by his nephew on Saturday morning.

He had suffered multiple stab wounds The nephew, who would take shopping to Mr Pedder’s home each Saturday morning, called an ambulance and the police were also alerted.

A post-mortem examination the following day confirmed that Mr Pedder had died from the stab wounds and a murder investigation was started, led by Detective Superintendent Bill Shackleton, of West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team.

Following the incident, an alleyway behind the house in Gibson Street was cordoned off and searches carried out in the garden and outside nearby properties.

Police also searched an apartment in Currer Street in connection with the inquiry.

Neighbours described Mr Pedder as a friendly but quiet person, who loved children, enjoyed working in his garden and would not harm anyone.

His family was too upset to issue a statement yesterday.

Detectives have urged anyone with information which could help the inquiry to contact them on 0845 6060606, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.