West Midlands man to stand trial over murder of Belsize Park pensioner Philip Silverstone
Popular local pensioner Philip Silverstone was found dead at his flat in Spencer House sheltered accommodation block. Picture: Nigel Sutton - Credit: Nigel Sutton
A 32-year-old man will stand trial accused of the murder of a Belsize Park pensioner at his home in supported accommodation.
Leo Barnes appeared in court on Friday charged with the murder of 67-year-old Philip Silverstone, a popular figure who was well known locally and reportedly cared for his disabled wife.
Barnes is accused of killing the pensioner at his flat in Spencer House, Belsize Park Gardens, at about midnight on Saturday, June 28.
The pensioner’s body was found by police on Monday, June 30 after officers were called to the block.
He is believed to have been stabbed to death.
Barnes, of Runcorn Road, Balsall Heath, in the West Midlands, was remanded in custody to stand trial at the hearing at Wolverhampton Crown Court.
He is also charged with the murder of 80-year-old Cynthia Beamond in Halesowen, in the West Midlands, on the evening of Sunday, June 29.
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Her body was found concealed at her Halesowen home and a post-mortem examination revealed she died of serious head injuries.
Another defendant, Chantelle Moran-Stokes, 24, of Latches Close, Darlaston, in the West Midlands, also stands accused of the murder of Mrs Beamond.
They are yet to enter pleas and will next appear at Wolverhampton Crown Court on October 10.
Related stories: Belsize Park killing: Victim Philip Silverstone was ‘lovely’ carer for wife
