A man today denied murdering two pensioners who were found dead at their homes in Belsize Park and the West Midlands.
Leo Barnes, 32, who is alleged to have killed Cynthia Beamond and Philip Silverstone on consecutive days in June, pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder during a hearing at Wolverhampton Crown Court.
Mr Silverstone, who had been stabbed, was found dead on June 30 at his flat in Spencer House sheltered accomodation in Belsize Park, after concerns were raised for his welfare.
The body of Mrs Beamond, 80, was found hidden inside her semi-detached house in Halesowen, near Birmingham, the day before on June 29 after she was reported missing by family members.
A post-mortem examination found she died from head injuries suffered during a violent attack.
Barnes, of Runcorn Road, Balsall Heath, Birmingham, is formally accused of murdering Mrs Beamond on June 27, while Mr Silverstone’s murder is alleged to have taken place on June 28.
He was remanded in custody and is set to face trial at Birmingham Crown Court in January next year.
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