A MAN has been charged with murdering his father.

Maurice Green, 42, of Railway Approach, Laindon, appeared at Basildon Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

He is accused of causing the death of his father Roy Green, 78.

Green did not enter a plea at the hearing, and was remanded in custody until his next appearance at Chelmsford Crown Court tomorrow.

An Essex Police spokesman said yesterday: “The dead man has been formally identified as Royston Green.

“Maurice Green was remanded in custody following today’s hearing and will be appearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on December 15.”

Paramedics were called to the pensioner’s home in Railway Approach on Saturday morning.

Despite their efforts they could not revive Mr Green, and his body was taken away in a private ambulance at about 3.30pm.

Police officers taped off the house to allow for a thorough search.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr Green’s death is being led by Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate.

Neighbours of the popular pensioner spoke of their shock and distress over his death.

Douglas Curtis, 75, said: “He was a marvellous old boy.

“He liked a pint and a fag, and would always go to the Moon on the Square pub.”

Another neighbour recalled fondly how he used to offer people home-grown vegetables from his garden.