Decision delay in Wakefield-house shotgun killing as forensic study continues
A decision on whether a man should face further charges after an alleged intruder was gunned down in his property has been delayed.
Connor Batty, 28, was killed at the house in Hemsworth in September and the homeowner, Adrian Frost, remains in custody.
He has so far been charged with possession of a prohibited firearm - a 12-bore sawn-off shotgun - and production of Class B drugs.
But the Crown is still yet to make a decision on whether he will face more serious charges in relation to Mr Batty’s death.
During a brief hearing at Leeds Crown Court this week, in which 60-year-old Frost appeared via video link from HMP Leeds, it was heard that a forensic pathologist’s investigation is still ongoing.
Prosecutor Michael Greenhalgh said there was a “degree of sensitivity” over the case and that “every avenue should be exhausted” before a final decision on upgrading the charges is made.
He said the report should be completed around mid December.
The case will return to court on January 30 for an update. Frost was remanded back into custody.
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 so far has not been charged with the offence.
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.