Articles by Editor,Jack Hardy

Technology

Pictured: 'Burglar' accused of stabbing a father to death before leaving with a bag of cash as he appears in court charged with murder

An alleged burglar has appeared in court accused of fatally stabbing a much-loved father in his own home, before fleeing with a big of cash. Anthony Priestley, 53, was found gravely injured with 'extensive knife wounds' at his address on Aldrich Avenue, Coventry, at around 4am on November 18. Paramedics were unable to save him and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Alexander Neilson, 28, today appeared before Coventry Magistrates' Court accused of murder and aggravated burglary. It is understood that the men were known to one another. The court heard that police were first called to the address by Mr Priestley's panicked partner, who told them that he had been stabbed. Prosecutor Sarah Lawrence said: 'Emergency services found the deceased with extensive knife wounds, but were unable to save his life.' The prosecutor told the court that the defendant entered the property at 4am and stabbed Mr Priestley in the doorway of his bedroom. He then allegedly followed him into the bedroom where he stabbed him several more times, according to the prosecutor. Neilson was allegedly 'asking for drugs and money and left with a bag of money', the court was told. Neilson, wearing a black and grey tracksuit, was led into the dock by two security guards and spoke only to give his name, date of birth and last address. Cath McMillan, defending, indicated that her client would be pleading not guilty to the offences. Chief Magistrate Michael Priest told him he would next appear before Warwick Crown Court on Tuesday November 25. Neilson, whose head was shaved, thumped his chest as he was led back into custody at the end of the five-minute hearing. A dozen of his family members had attended the court with one shouting, 'love ya' as he was led away. The family of Mr Priestley, who were not at court, had earlier released a tribute to him through West Midlands Police. It said: 'Anton, we loved you so much and we cannot imagine that we're never going to see you again. Our love for you will never end.' His daughter paid a touching tribute to her father, saying: 'Thanks for all the lovely memories I have of you. Your loving daughter.