A MAN accused of stabbing his step-father to death has made his first appearance in court.

Alistair Throup, 47, of Oakland Street, Silsden, today appeared at Bradford and Keighley Magistrates' Court charged with the murder of Philip Slater.

Police were called to a "disturbance" at an address in Oakland Street shortly after 8.15am on Friday, September 8.

Mr Slater, 73, suffered fatal stab injuries in the incident and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Throup, slimly-built with thinning hair, appeared in court dressed in a full grey tracksuit.

He spoke only to confirm his name, age, and address to the court clerk, who informed him that the charge against him was so serious it could only be dealt with in the Crown Court, and that no formal plea could be taken.

Before he entered the dock, Throup's solicitor, Shahzad Ali, told District Judge Richard Clews that Mr Slater was his client's step-father.

Mr Ali said his client had mental health issues and asked whether he could be held on a medical wing while in custody in Armley Prison.

Mr Clews said he had no power to make such an order and said Throup was not entitled to make a bail application in the lower court.

Addressing the defendant, he said: "This allegation must be dealt with at the Crown Court.

"Only a Crown Court judge can consider bail in these circumstances."

Throup was remanded in custody to appear at Bradford Crown Court on Tuesday, September 12.

Oakland Street was cordoned off for a number of hours after Mr Slater's body was found as police forensics officers carried out investigations at the scene.

Ward councillors for Silsden described the incident as "a tragedy", "shocking" and "distressing".

Cllr Andrew Mallinson (Con, Craven) said police told him the matter was a "domestic incident" and gave reassurances that there was no threat to the wider public.