Man denies murdering retired Blackpool lecturer with crossbow

Gerald Corrigan, 74, a retired photography lecturer at Blackpool and the Fylde College, was struck as he adjusted the satellite dish outside his house near South Stack Road in a remote part of Holyhead, Anglesey, at about 12.35am on April 19.

Terence Whall, 39, of Bryngwran in Anglesey, pleaded not guilty to his murder at Mold Crown Court on Thursday.

He also denied conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, as did his three co-defendants, Darren Jones, 41, Martin Roberts, 34, and Gavin Jones, 36.

The four men are accused of setting fire to a Land Rover Discovery on June 3.

The defendants spoke to confirm their names, nationalities and ages as well as entering their pleas.

Judge Rhys Rowland remanded the men in custody ahead of the trial on January 14, which is expected to last for four to five weeks.

Gavin Jones and Roberts gave thumbs-up gestures to two people in the public gallery as they left the dock.

Mr Corrigan died in hospital from his injuries on May 11.

The bolt passed through his upper body, narrowly missing his heart, and his right arm.

Mr Corrigan worked as a lecturer in photography and video in Lancashire before retiring to Anglesey more than 20 years ago. He had a keen interest in nature.

Following his funeral, his partner, Marie Bailey, said: "He was my best friend and my soul mate. All the time we have been together I have been proud to walk at his side and he stood beside me, always."