Man and teenager deny murdering pensioner in Essex
Donald Ralph's body was found at his home in Aldham last December
A man and a teenage boy are facing a trial after denying the murder of a pensioner who was found strangled to death at his home in Essex.
The body of Donald Ralph, 83, was discovered at his home in Aldham, near Colchester, on December 29 last year.
A 16-year-old boy, from Leicester, and 28-year-old Leighton Snook, of no fixed address, have denied murdering Mr Ralph on December 28.
The youth defendant entered his plea in person at Ipswich Crown Court and judge Martyn Levett entered a not guilty plea on behalf of Snook, who was not present for Tuesday's hearing.
Both defendants are jointly charged with the burglary of Mr Ralph's home in Halstead Road, Aldham, on December 28, when they are alleged to have stolen a Browning shotgun, a Ruger rifle and keys to a vehicle.
They are also jointly charged with theft of a Volvo car belonging to Mr Ralph on December 28.
Snook is charged alone with possession of a bladed article in a public place, in Colchester High Street.
The defendants face a trial on June 1, with an administrative hearing to be held on May 4.