Man accused of shooting alleged intruder in Wakefield could stand trial this summer
A man charged with gunning down an alleged intruder into his home could stand trial in July.
Adrian Frost, 60, was this week charged with murder over the death of 28-year-old Connor Batty.
Mr Batty was killed at the house in Hemsworth in September.
Frost appeared at Leeds Crown Court over a video link from HMP Leeds, where a preliminary trial date for July 6 was set.
However, this depends on whether Frost pleads not-guilty. He will be returned to court on March 2 for a plea and trial preparation.
The trial, if it goes ahead, would be expected to last more than two weeks.
Frost was initially charged with possession of a prohibited firearm - a 12-bore sawn-off shotgun - and production of Class B drugs.
Police had been called to Barnsley Road in Hemsworth on the evening of Thursday, September 11 following reports of a serious disturbance.
Mr Batty died inside the property during the confrontation. It was reported that he had stormed into the address with others before being shot.
Frost was initially arrested on suspicion of murder but it has taken four months for the charge to be processed.
Three others have also facing charges. Dylan Kelly, 23, of Locksley Gardens, Barnsley, and Lewis Bromley, 25, of Rose Avenue, Barnsley, are charged with aggravated burglary and having a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence.