Man admits burgling city pensioner's home but denies his murder

A 45-year-old man has appeared at court admitting to burling a pensioner's home but denying his murder. Paul Topham, 45, pleaded guilty to stealing a key fob, glasses, enamel badges and paperwork from the home of 94-year-old Harold Monk in Inglewood Avenue, Bradmore, Wolverhampton, on October 3.

The public gallery at Wolverhampton Crown Court was full as Topham entered his pleas. But Topham denied a charge of murdering Mr Monk, who died in hospital the day after the burglary.

West Midlands Police earlier stated officers had been called to the property in the early hours of October 3 following reports of a burglary and found Mr Monk seriously injured. A man was arrested there a short time later.

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Addressing Topham in the dock, Judge Michael Chambers KC said: "Your case is being adjourned for trial, the precise date still needs to be fixed. It may proceed in your absence if you choose not to attend your trial."

The trial is expected to last at least five days. Court documents previously gave Monk's address as Palmerston Road in Birmingham.