Trial date for man accused of murdering elderly woman in Bath
85-year-old Delia Haxworth died on Tuesday (18 June)
A trial date has been set for an 87-year-old man accused of murdering an 85-year-old woman in Bath.
William Arthur Haxworth, of Upper Lansdown Mews, Bath, is accused of killing Delia Haxworth on June 18.
His case was heard before Judge Martin Picton at Bristol Crown Court on Friday morning, but Haxworth was not required to attend.
Prosecuting, Anjali Gohil said it was a "sad" case and told the court that a trial could be heard on December 16 this year.
The judge confirmed that trial date and said a plea and trial preparation hearing would take place on July 26.
Alistair Haggity, representing Haxworth, did not make an application for bail.
Mrs Haxworth was found "in need of urgent medical treatment" at a property in Upper Lansdown Mews on Tuesday morning, police previously said.
She was pronounced dead at the scene despite the efforts of paramedics.
Her body has been formally identified and her next of kin have been informed. They are being supported by family liaison officers.
Avon and Somerset Police said Haxworth was charged with murder and appeared before Bath Magistrates' Court on Thursday.
Detective Inspector Mark Newbury, of Avon and Somerset Police, said: "Our thoughts are very much with Delia's family as they begin to come to terms with this tragedy.
"Although a man has been charged we are still in the early stages of our investigation.
"I hope that anyone with information will come forward to help us find the answers for the family."
Detectives are appealing for anyone who saw or has footage of an older man with a rucksack walking from Upper Lansdown Mews to Bennett Street, or of a man climbing scaffolding in Bennett Stress.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the force on 101, giving the reference Operation Network, or online.