Judge sets Wigan suspect's murder trial date

A Wigan man has appeared before a judge accused of murdering a pub regular.
Lee ChristyLee Christy
Lee Christy

Derek Bentham is charged with killing Lee Christy in an incident outside the Bear’s Paw, in Hindley’s Market Street, earlier this month.

The 45-year-old was rushed to hospital after sustaining injuries on the evening of Saturday, September 15, but died four days later.

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Bentham, 46, of Smithwood Avenue, Hindley, appeared in the dock at Manchester Crown Court this week, but did not enter a plea.

The scene of the assaultThe scene of the assault
The scene of the assault

He was remanded in custody until November 16 – when he is likely to plead – and a provisional date of March 4 2019 was set for a trial to be held at Bolton Crown Court.

Mr Christy left a daughter Leah, his mother Olive and her partner Benny, sister Julie, four brothers – Darren, David, Stuart and Andrew – and brother-in-law Phil.