A MURDER suspect in the killing of a pensioner and the man said to have helped the alleged killer will face trial after pleading not guilty.

Adam Mason denied the murder of Desmond Wooding while Mark Mason denied assisting an offender when they appeared at Worcester Crown Court yesterday.

Adam Mason of Plough Lane, Tibberton, Droitwich, stands accused of the murder of the 80-year-old, said to have taken place on June 23 this year.

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

Mark Mason, 55, of Plough Lane, Tibberton stands accused of assisting an offender. The charge, read out in full by the clerk, alleges 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 the last hearing before the crown court.

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.

At the hearing yesterday Jason Aris, for Adam Mason, said there was to be an application to extend legal aid for the instruction of a silk, David Mason QC, although he would not be available until the first week in May next year.

Abigail Nixon, for Mark Mason, said she was not available to represent her client until the beginning of April.

The prosecution was represented by Tariq Shakoor who said the Crown Prosecution Service aimed to appoint Jonas Hankin QC.

Judge Robert Juckes QC said he was reluctant to put the case back that far and adjourned the trial until December 9 this year. However, another hearing will take place on Friday, September 6 this year.

Adam Mason was remanded in custody. Mark Mason was granted bail on condition he remain resident at his address and has no contact with a named witness and his co-accused, Adam Mason.