A murder accused has appeared before a district judge – shielding his eyes with a pair of sunglasses.

Liam Jones, 43, squinted as he asked permission of District Judge Kamlesh Rana to put on the tinted eyewear. She granted the request.

The defendant, who gave his address as Bonar Road, Wood Farm, is accused of murdering 59-year-old Phil Breach on the morning of November 30.

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Mr Breach was found in a ‘critical condition’ in a park between Wood Farm Road and Nuffield Road at around 6.05am. He was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital but died later that day.

A post-mortem subsequently found his cause of death to be blunt force trauma to the head and neck.

Appearing before Oxford Magistrates’ Court this afternoon, Jones spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.

Court documents stated that he was living at an address on Abingdon Road, Oxford. However, in court he told the judge’s clerk that his registered address was Bonar Road.

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Remanding him into custody, District Judge Rana told the defendant: "I don't have the power to even consider bail in these circumstances, so I am sending his matter to the crown court.

“Your next appearance will be on December 8. That is Thursday.

“I am remanding you into custody to that date."

It is expected that Jones will appear before Judge Ian Pringle KC, the honorary Recorder of Oxford and the only member of the judiciary at Oxford Crown Court with a 'ticket' to deal with murder cases.

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This story was written by Tom Seaward. He joined the team in 2021 as Oxfordshire's court and crime reporter.  

To get in touch with him email: Tom.Seaward@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @t_seaward