Richard Edward Thorpe appeared before Batley and Dewsbury Magistrates on Saturday, following the death of road sweeper Edward Thorpe, 58.

The defendant is expected to appear at Leeds Crown Court next week.

Mr Thorpe was found dead at a house in Howard Street just before 6.30am on Thursday.

A post mortem carried out later that day has found he died from serious head injuries.

Friend and colleague David Blakeley was left devastated by the news of Mr Thorpe's death.

He last spoke to him two weeks ago.

He said: "I'm really stunned. He was a lovely chap, always had a lovely smile for everyone. He never harmed anyone.

"You could not wish for a better bloke to meet. I just can't believe it's happened."

Mr Thorpe worked as a sweeper for the Dewsbury town centre area and before that covered the Carlinghow area.

Mr Blakeley said he had known him for 14 years and added that he was well-known in the Batley and Dewsbury area.


Keep checking this website for updates and don't forget to get your copy of the News on Thursday for a full tribute story.