Man in court charged with Christmas Day murder of pensioner in Stafford
A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a pensioner found injured in the street on Christmas Day.
Joseph Nicholas Moscicki, 22, of Little Acres, Gorse Ride North, Finchampstead, Wokingham, appeared at Cannock Magistrates Court on Saturday charged with murdering Bernard James Smith.
The 83-year-old, who was known as Jim, was discovered at the junction of Shakespeare Road and Wordsworth Avenue on the Highfields estate in Stafford at around 12.50am.
He lived in sheltered housing off Shakespeare Road and it is believed he was returning from a night out at Highfields Social Club.
Moscicki also faced a charge of failing to provide a specimen of breath.
During his brief appearance, he spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address and broke down in tears when the charges were read to him.
He entered no plea to either charge.
Moscicki, who wore a white polo neck shirt and grey jogging bottoms, was represented by Mr Kevin Hennessy, who made no bail application.
The case was sent to Stafford Crown Court where Moscicki will appear on Monday.
He was remanded in custody.
