A MAN has denied killing Coventry pensioner Malcolm Turner who died in a blaze at his home after his mobility scooter was set alight while it was parked outside.
Richard Newing pleaded not guilty at Coventry Crown Court to the murder of the 69-year-old on August 20.
Mr Turner died of smoke inhalation after it is alleged his mobility scooter, parked outside his home in Jenner Street, Coventry, was the target of an arson attack.
The fire spread to the building, and the pensioner was found dead in his flat as a result of smoke inhalation.
Newing (43) of Iden Road, Hillfields, Coventry, also denied a further charge of arson with intent to endanger life following another fire in Foleshill Road on the same morning.
After he had entered his pleas, Judge Andrew Lockhart QC, the Honorary Recorder of Coventry, adjourned the case for trial, which was fixed for January 29 next year.
At a previous hearing, prosecutor Jonas Hankin QC said that before the trial, reports would have to be prepared by fire experts, and there would also need to be ‘a CCTV trawl’ of cameras in the area for that night.
Adjourning the case, Judge Lockhart remanded Newing in custody until his trial
