Stockport pensioner charged with murder

9 July 2018, 12:53 | Updated: 9 July 2018, 12:56

An 84-year-old man has appeared in court accused of murdering his 86-year-old wife.

Lawrence Franks made a brief appearance in the dock at Manchester Magistrates' Court accused of the murder of Patricia Franks.

He was arrested after police were called to a home on Frances Avenue, Gatley, Stockport, shortly before 9.40am on Sunday and found the body of a woman.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said formal identification had not yet taken place but the woman was believed to be Patricia Franks, 86.

Laura Keegan, prosecuting, told magistrates the single count of murder Franks is accused of could only be dealt with at the crown court.

Paul Green, defending, made no application for bail.

Franks was remanded into custody to appear at Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester, on Wednesday.

Speaking on Sunday, Detective Inspector Richard Eales, from GMP, said: "This is a truly tragic incident and I would like to extend my most sincere condolences to the family of the woman who has died.

"We are working to provide her loved ones with support from specially trained officers at this difficult time."