Murder accused appears at Leeds Crown Court over death of Batley man who was tied up and severely beaten in his own home

Craig Stanton, 42, made his first Crown court appearance today over the death of Saleem Butt.

Mr Butt died from head and neck injuries after being "severely beaten" at his home on Hyrstlands Road, Batley.

The incident is believed to have taken place between April 22 and 23 this year.

Stanton, of Harold Wilson Court, Huddersfield, appeared in court via a video link from HMP Leeds for a hearing which lasted just five minutes.

Stanton is also charged with two offences of theft unrelated to the murder charge.

No pleas to any of the charges were entered.

The case was adjourned until June 15 when Stanton will next appear before the court for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

A provisional trial date was fixed for October 26 this year, should Stanton enter not guilty pleas.

No application for bail was made and Stanton was told by Judge Andrew Stubbs QC that he will remain in custody until the next hearing.

A 46-year-old man from the Dewsbury Moor area was arrested on Monday morning on suspicion of murder. He is being held in custody, police said.

A man and a woman who were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender have been released on bail.

Mr Butt's death has been described as an "horrific sustained attack" by West Yorkshire Police

After the incident, Detective Chief Inspector Tony Nicholson of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, who is leading the investigation said: “We are continuing a number of enquiries as we work to hunt down those responsible for this horrific sustained attack on a kind-hearted, well-liked and very well-known man.

“Following a post mortem examination we now believe Mr Butt was probably attacked between Wednesday evening and Thursday (April 22 and 23) and I continue to want to speak to anyone who can help us pinpoint his movements on Wednesday in particular.”

He added: “It is very hard to comprehend why someone would attack Mr Butt, let alone inflict the level of violence he suffered.

“I cannot stress how important it is that we find those responsible for what was an awful offence committed against a man described as lovely and very gentle by those that knew him.

“Persons prepared to commit these acts must be taken off our streets and I urge anyone who has information to come forwards.”

Anyone with information which could assist the investigation should contact West Yorkshire Police.

The charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously. nl