An 83-year-old man has appeared in court accused of murdering a woman at a Bournemouth home.

Grenville Douglas Richings has been charged over the death of 83-year-old Elizabeth Richings on June 3.

Mr Richings appeared in the dock at Salisbury Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, June 29.

The defendant spoke only to confirm his name, age and address during the brief hearing.

He did not enter a plea to the single charge of murder, which relates to an incident at a property in Roscrea Drive off Wick Lane in Southbourne.

Mr Richings was remanded into custody ahead of his next appearance, which will be before Winchester Crown Court on Monday, July 3.

Chairman of the bench Helen Pritchard told the defendant: “We are remanding you in custody until your appearance at Winchester Crown Court on Monday, July 3.

“At that hearing you will be able to enter your plea.”

Dorset Police were called after concerns were raised for the welfare of a woman at a home in Roscrea Drive off Wick Lane in the Southbourne area of Bournemouth.

Bournemouth Echo:

Officers and the ambulance service attended, however, Mrs Richings was pronounced dead at the scene.

In a statement issued late on Wednesday, June 28, Detective Inspector Mark Jenkins, of Dorset Police’s major crime investigation team, said: “We are continuing to do all we can to support Elizabeth’s family and they have been informed of this latest development.

“This matter has been the subject of a detailed investigation and we have consulted with the Crown Prosecution Service, which has authorised the charge of murder.

“This case will now be the subject of active court proceedings and it is vital that the justice system is allowed to follow its course.

“It is important to stress that there should be no further commentary, publication or sharing of information in print, online or on social media that could potentially prejudice proceedings.”