Man, 80, in court over wife's death (From Keighley News)

Man, 80, in court over wife's death

2:17pm Friday 17th August 2012 in Keighley

An 80-year-old man accused of murdering his wife at their home will make his first appearance at crown court on Monday.

Clement Callaghan, of Ivy Bank Lane, Haworth, appeared before magistrates this morning after he was charged with the offence last night.

The defendant waved to a man in the public gallery as he took his place in the dock at Bradford and Keighley Magistrates' Court, where he was flanked by three security officers.

He confirmed his name, address and date of birth when asked by the legal advisor at the start of the hearing, which lasted five minutes.

Callaghan, who wore a navy blue jumper and dark trousers, was told he was charged with the murder of Eileen Callaghan at his home address on August 4 this year.

Prosecutor Mark Steeples and defence solicitor Ismael Uddin agreed the case could only be dealt with at a crown court, and a hearing was set for Monday. No application for bail was made.

After asking Callaghan to remain seated, chairman of the magistrates' bench Andrew McLauchlan told him: “We have heard what has been said in the court this morning. Because of what you have been charged with the matter cannot be heard at this court. So what we are going to do – you will have to be remanded in custody and your next appearance will be at the crown court at 10am this coming Monday.”

Mrs Callaghan’s body was discovered at the couple’s home on the morning of Sunday, August 5.