Pensioner died from ‘blunt force trauma’

A PENSIONER whose remains were found in his back garden died from “blunt force trauma to the head”, police said.
By The Newsroom
Published 5th Sep 2011, 08:00 BST

Northumbria Police said although no formal identification had yet been made of the remains found in the garden in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, they have “reason to believe” they are of 85-year-old Francis Willis who lived at the property.

Mr Willis, of Staindrop, Leam Lane Estate, had been missing since the week beginning August 15.

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His 62-year-old son, also Francis, of Carr Hill, Gateshead, has appeared before Gateshead Magistrates Court charged with murder. He was remanded in custody to appear before Newcastle Crown Court today.

Yesterday, detectives said a post-mortem examination revealed Mr Willis senior died from blunt force trauma to the head.