THE trial date for a man accused of murdering his grandfather has been changed.

Anthony Winter denies killing John Anker at his sheltered housing in Southend last November and had been due to face trial in May.

But Chelmsford Crown Court heard reports in the case were not ready and the trial date of May 16 was no longer suitable.

A fresh trial date of August 13 has now been set for the case, which is expected to last up to seven days. Winter, 34, of Westborough Road, Westcliff, was not in court for the latest hearing and remains in custody.

He is alleged to have murdered his 84-year-old grandfather Mr Anker at his home in Stephen McAdden House sheltered housing, inBurr Hill Chase, Southend, on Thursday, November 14, last year. A post mortem revealed Mr Anker died at the scene of the attack from a single stab wound to the chest.

Winter’s grandmother Pamela Anker, 82, was also stabbed during the incident. Winter has admitted her attempted murder.