A TEENAGER accused of murdering North Yorkshire man David Williamson broke down and had to be comforted by a police officer when he appeared in court today.

James William Payling, 18, of Kirkgate, Ripon, had to be helped into the dock at Harrogate Magistrates Court by two security officers.

He is accused of murdering the 58-year-old bachelor, who was found lying unconscious in a lane just a few hundred yards from his home in Sutton-on-the-Forest, near Easingwold, in March last year.

He had suffered a fractured skull after being hit from behind with a blunt instrument and died later that day in hospital.

Blond-haired Payling, who was dressed in blue jeans and a blue sweatshirt, wept in the dock and a police officer, who was said to have a good relationship with the teenager, was brought forward to comfort him.

There was no application for bail and Payling, who did not enter any pleas, was remanded in custody to attend York Crown Court on Monday to face the murder charge.

Eight other charges against Payling, including burglary, theft and motoring offences, were adjourned to Harrogate Magistrates Court on February 13.

Updated: 11:46 Wednesday, January 16, 2002