Man in court over Willenhall fire murder
A 20-year-old appeared in court today charged with the murder of a pensioner in a flat fire in Willenhall.
Aiden Elmore appeared at Walsall Magistrates Court accused of deliberately starting the blaze that tore through maisonettes in Southey Close.
Victor Moore, aged 68, collapsed and died during the fire in the early hours of Monday morning. His body was discovered inside the communal foyer area and a post mortem examination confirmed he died as a result of exposure to the blaze.
Elmore, aged 20, of no fixed abode, has also been charged with arson with intent to endanger life in Wychbold Way.
He appeared at the court for a brief hearing this morning.
No pleas were entered to the charges.
He was remanded in custody to appear before Wolverhampton Crown Court tomorrow.
Emergency services were called to Southey Close at 2.15am to find a fire which is believed to have spread from a wheelie bin adjacent to the building. In total, around 50 people were evacuated, with one leaping from the window for safety.
