Murder accused appear in court via video link

Paul Howarth (47), of Clifton Road, and Gary Burley (44), of Herbert Street, appeared via prison video link at Preston Crown Court where their case was adjourned for a plea and case management hearing to take place on April 20th.

The next hearing will take place at Liverpool Crown Court and a trial is now scheduled to begin on July 13th, also at Liverpool.

Both defendants were remanded in custody following their appearance before Judge Stuart Baker today.

Police were called to a flat in Clifton Road, off Padiham Road, at 6-30pm on Saturday where they discovered the body of Mr Passmore (60).

A post mortem examination established the cause of death as multiple stab wounds.