A MAN has appeared at Manchester Crown Court accused of murdering a 21-year-old who died in Wigan.

Billy Livesley was rushed to hospital in a critical condition around 9.35pm on Friday, December 28, after reports of an assault on Bickershaw Lane, Abram.

He died from his injuries the following evening and a Home Office post mortem examination confirmed that the cause of death was a significant head injury.

Peter Connor, aged 31, was charged with the murder of the son and brother, from Platt Bridge.

Connor, of Dorothy Walk, Abram, appeared at Manchester Crown Court this morning.

Simon Gurney, prosecuting, told the court: “This case is in the very early stages. The investigation into this offence is ongoing and fast moving.”

He added that it is “likely” that other people will be charged in connection with the death.

The Honorary Recorder of Manchester, Judge David Stockdale QC remanded Connor, who did not enter a plea, in custody.

There will be a further case management hearing at the court on February 4 and a trial has been listed to start on June 24.