11/01/2013

Men In Court Over Organist's Murder

Two men have appeared in court over the murder of a church organist who was attacked on his way to midnight mass on Christmas Eve.

Alan Greaves was on his way to St Saviour’s church near High green in Sheffield when he was attacked.

The 68-year-old father of four died three days later after suffering severe head injuries.

Ashley Foster, 21, and Jonathan Bowling, 22, have appeared at Sheffield Magistrates Court today.

They are due to appear again at Sheffield Crown Court on 18 January.

Foster, of High Green, and Bowling, of the Fox Hill area, were both arrested earlier this week and will remain in police custody until they appear in court.

Over 50 police officers were involved in the inquiry. Detectives made a series of appeals for help from the community.

Two other men were arrested in connection with the murder, but were later bailed pending further inquiries.

An inquest into Greaves's death was opened and adjourned by Sheffield coroner Chris Dorries on Thursday.

Mr Greaves's widow, Maureen, was in attendance.

Speaking from outside court today, Mrs Greaves said: "The support of the congregation and the police has been outstanding. I just want to praise the police for all that they have done and the sensitivity in which they have dealt with the case."

(IT)

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