Man, 43, accused of murdering pensioner by torching his mobility scooter to stand trial - The Coventry Observer

Man, 43, accused of murdering pensioner by torching his mobility scooter to stand trial

Coventry Editorial 28th Aug, 2019   0

A MAN accused of killing a Coventry pensioner who died in a blaze at his home after his mobility scooter was set alight is to stand trial early next year.

Richard Newing appeared at Warwick Crown Court after being arrested and charged with the murder of pensioner Malcolm Turner on August 20.

Mr Turner died of smoke inhalation after it is alleged his mobility scooter, parked outside his home in Jenner Street, Foleshill, Coventry, was the target of an arson attack.

The fire spread to the building, and the pensioner was found dead in his flat.




Newing (43) of Iden Road, Hillfields, Coventry, also faces a further allegation of arson with intent to endanger life following another fire in Foleshill Road on the same morning.

Prosecutor Jonas Hankin QC explained that the case had been listed so the question of bail could be considered – but in fact there was no application for Newing to be granted bail.


Judge Andrew Lockhart QC pointed out that the custody time limit, the period during which a defendant can be held on remand before standing trial, expires on February 21 next year.

But he said the trial could take place in front of him a few days later on February 24, or in front of another judge at the court on January 27.

Mr Hankin said that reports would have to be prepared by fire experts, and there would also need to be ‘a CCTV trawl’ of cameras in the area for that night.

But Judge Lockhart said he was going to ‘seize the earlier date’ of January 27, subject to any application for the trial to be moved to a later date.

Nicholas Tatlow, defending, indicated: “There is no bail application today. I make no submissions as to bail, but it may be an application will be made at a later stage.”

Adjourning the case and remanding Newing in custody, the judge told him: “We anticipate the trial will be on the 27th of January, and you will be back before this court on the 23rd of September for a plea and trial preparation hearing.”

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