Man appears in court charged with manslaughter of Ilkeston pensioner

Derek Levers' family have released this photo of him with his grandson Rick Barson.

Ryan Belfon appeared at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court on Thursday charged with manslaughter, assaulting a police officer, criminal damage at a commercial premises and two counts of fraud.

Mr Levers, 86, collapsed following an alleged altercation at his home on Station Road on Sunday and died in hospital on Monday morning.

Belfon, 31, of Stapleton Road in Ilkeston, appeared in court wearing a grey jumper and grey jogging bottoms and spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address. He did not give an indication of plea to any of the charges.

He remains in custody and will next appear at Nottingham Crown Court on June 15.

An inquest into Mr Levers' death was opened and adjourned at Derbyshire Coroners' Court yesterday (Thursday).

Since his death, tributes have poured in for Mr Levers, who was a retired joiner and widower, and his family have also thanked the local community for their support.