A MAN charged with the murder of a 56-year-old granddad on Manchester Road has appeared in court via video link. 

Mark Slater, aged 46, of Hillside Avenue, Oldham, is accused of murdering Trevor Allen, who died from head injuries after being hit by a lorry on the A57 close to junction 21 of the M6 at 8.15am on February 15.

Slater was wearing a blue sweater and looked unshaven with bags under his eyes during a preliminary hearing at Chester Crown Court this morning, Thursday. 

He spoke only to confirm his name and did not enter a plea. 

Recorder of Chester Elgan Edwards said he wants the case to be dealt with 'as speedily as possible' as Slater's custody time limit expires in August. 

He will next appear in court on May 16 ahead of a predicted one week trial starting on July 21.