Man charged over murder of antiques dealer

Graham Richardson, of Riverside View, Malton, had been charged with murder and theft, after Mr Battle was found in the lounge of his cottage in the East Riding village of Full Sutton last week.

Richardson, 26, is set to appear at Beverley Magistrates’ Court this morning to answer to the charges.

The body of Mr Battle, 56, was discovered after officers broke into his home. A post-mortem examination revealed that he died from severe head injuries.

In a statement, Gerry Wareham, of CPS Yorkshire and Humberside, said: “Following an investigation by Humberside Police, CPS lawyers received a file of evidence relating to the death of Peter Battle.

“A lawyer authorised Humberside Police to charge Graham Richardson with the murder of Peter Battle.”

Detectives have quizzed Richardson for five days after he was arrested in Malton on Monday.

Two applications had been made by police to magistrates to extend the time they could keep him in custody.

Over 100 officers are investigating Mr Battle’s death and the hunt for a weapon, possibly used to kill him, continue.

Detective Chief Inspector Alistair McFarlane, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our enquiries remain very much active and help from the local community and wider public is still something we are appealing for.”

Police believe that Mr Battle’s work in the antiques trade could be a motive for his murder.

Anyone with information should call Humberside Police on 101, quoting log 492 of February 7.