A YORK bar and nightclub doorman appeared before York magistrates charged with the murder of a retired camera operator.

Paul Maurice Garner, 59, of Chaloners Road, Woodthorpe, is alleged to have killed William John Smith outside Yates' Wine Lodge, in Low Ousegate.

Garner, who was working as a doorman at the bar, is charged with causing Mr Smith's death between the day of the alleged incident, Friday, April 18, and Tuesday, April 22.

Mr Smith, 62, a former racecourse winning post camera operator, suffered serious head injuries in an incident outside the York nightspot on April 18.

He died in Leeds General Infirmary on Tuesday evening without regaining consciousness after doctors switched off his life support machine. Presiding magistrate Michael Dadd adjourned the proceedings until Monday, when Garner will appear at York Crown Court.

The defendant, who appeared in court wearing a grey sweatshirt and black jogging bottoms, was represented by Craig Sutcliffe. Prosecution solicitor Colette Dixon put the case for the Crown. Reporting restrictions were not lifted.

Updated: 10:32 Saturday, April 26, 2003