THE trial of the man accused of murdering an 87-year-old woman on New Year’s Day is likely to start on June 23, a court heard.

Peter Anthony John Harris, 33, of no fixed address, is also alleged to have tried to rob Elsie Mowbray and is accused of assaulting her son Richard Mowbray.

All the offences are alleged to have occurred at her Victoria Court home off Leeman Road, York, on January 1.

Mrs Mowbray died some days after the alleged offences.

Harris was not present at Leeds Crown Court to hear the Recorder of Leeds, Judge Peter Collier, provisionally fix his trial date.

He had been expected to attend by video link from the prison when he is remanded in custody, but the link was not working when the case was heard.