A MAN and a teenage boy will face trial after denying the murder of a pensioner who was found strangled to death at his home in a quiet village.

The body of Donald Ralph, 83, was discovered at his home in Aldham, on December 29.

A 16-year-old boy, from Leicester, and Leighton Snook, 28, of no fixed address, denied murdering Mr Ralph on December 28.

The youth defendant entered his plea in person at Ipswich Crown Court and judge Martyn Levett entered a not guilty plea on behalf of Snook, who was not present for Tuesday’s hearing.

Both defendants are jointly charged with the burglary of Mr Ralph’s home in Halstead Road on December 28, when they are alleged to have stolen a Browning shotgun, a Ruger rifle and keys to a vehicle.

They are also jointly charged with theft of a Volvo car belonging to Mr Ralph on December 28.

Snook is charged alone with possession of a bladed article in a public place, Colchester High Street.

The defendants are due to face a trial on June 1, with an administrative hearing to be held beforehand on May 4.

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Following Mr Ralph's death his family described him as a unique character who had "boundless energy" for life.