Pensioner faces murder charge after tradesman 'stabbed 30 times'

A pensioner has appeared in court over the murder of a tradesman who was stabbed 30 times while working at his home in south London.

William Treadwell, 67, who is charged with the murder of Gary Amer, 63, entered no plea, when he appeared before Camberwell Green magistrates' court today.

The court heard Mr Amer had been working to fix the boiler at the home where Treadwell lived with his sister in Madron Street, Walworth, when he was stabbed 30 times on Friday.

He also suffered head injuries, the court heard.

Mr Amer had been working at the property since August 13.

Treadwell, who wore a grey sweatshirt and jogging bottoms, spoke only to confirm his name, address, date of birth and nationality when he appeared in the dock for the five-minute hearing.

The defendant blew kisses and waved to the public gallery as he was remanded into custody, the Press Association reported.

Officers pronounced Mr Amer dead at the scene at 2.14pm on Friday.

Treadwell will appear at the Old Bailey on Wednesday.

Additional reporting by Press Association.