A MAN has appeared in court to deny the murder of a 53-year-old York father.

Daniel Thomas Reed appeared before Leeds Crown Court this morning charged with the murder of Shaun Skelton.

Mr Skelton's body was found in his flat at Chancery House in Holgate Road, York, at about 1.50am on Monday, March 6.

An inquest heard Mr Skelton was found with "significant injuries", on the floor of his flat between the living room and kitchen, and a preliminary post mortem suggested he had died from "serious head, neck and chest injuries".

York Press:

Reed, 19, of Strensall Road, was arrested at about 1.25am on Monday, March 6.

He appeared before the Recorder of Leeds Judge Peter Collier QC charged with the murder of Mr Skelton.

Wearing a grey sweatshirt, Reed spoke only to confirm his name and plead not guilty to the charge against him.

He remains in custody, ahead of a trial which is expected to last three to four days when it takes place in July.