THE trial of a man accused of the murder of a Droitwich pensioner and the co-defendant said to have assisted him is due to take place next month.

Adam Mason denies the murder of 80-year-old Desmond Wooding while Mark Mason denies assisting an offender.

Adam Mason, aged 33, of Plough Lane, Tibberton, appeared over videolink and Mark Mason, aged 55, also of Plough Lane, Tibberton in person at Worcester Crown on Friday.

The defendants appeared before Judge Robert Juckes QC for a pre-trial review, an administrative hearing designed to make sure the case is ready for trial.

As previously reported the murder of Mr Wooding is said to have taken place on June 23 last year.

The pensioner’s body was found at his home in Vines Lane the following day.

The charge, read out in full by the clerk at a previous hearing, states that Mark Mason ‘conveyed Adam Mason away from the scene of the offence in his motor vehicle with intent to impede the apprehension or prosecution of Adam Mason, a person who had committed an arrestable offence of murder, knowing or believing him to be guilty of the offence or some other arrestable offence.’

Previously we reported how Mr Wooding died as a result of a ‘brutal stabbing.’

Mr Wooding was referred to as the ‘great uncle’ of Adam Mason at a previous hearing.

On June 25 police released a CCTV image of a man seen in the area at the time, with an appeal for anyone who recognised him to get in touch.

Mr Wooding was well known for riding his mobility scooter around Droitwich.

The trial is now due to take place on February 24. It was was originally listed for December 9 last year. The custody time limit for Adam Mason was extended until March 2 at the request of the defence.

The prosecution has been given a deadline of January 20 for the disclosure of material to the defence, including CCTV footage.

The case was prosecuted by Tariq Shakoor. Adam Mason was represented by Jason Aris and Mark Mason by Lee Egan.

Adam Mason was remanded in custody. Mark Mason's bail was renewed on condition he live and sleep at the address given to the court and has no contact with his co-defendant.