A MAN has appeared in court today charged with the murder of 53-year-old Basingstoke grandfather Stephan Hollow.

William John Smith, 27, of Pershore Road in the Popley area of Basingstoke, appeared at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court and was remanded in custody to appear at Winchester Crown Court for a hearing on Tuesday.

District Judge Philip Gillibrand said: “This case must be transferred to Winchester Crown Court.”

Smith, who was dressed a black t-shirt and trousers, spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth.

Mr Hollow was found with stab wounds outside the door of his home in Blackdown Close at about 4.30am on Monday morning. He was treated at the scene by paramedics and a consultant in emergency medicine and then rushed to Basingstoke hospital, but died from his injuries.

Yesterday, police were still searching for the knife allegedly used in the murder.