A MAN has appeared at Bristol Crown Court accused of murdering his grandmother in Yate.

Ryan Guest, 33, of Birkdale in Yate, is charged with killing 87-year-old Una Dorney at Oaktree Care Home in Lark Rise, Brimsham Park.

Mrs Dorney’s body was discovered in her room by care home staff last Wednesday (June 18).

Guest appeared before North Avon magistrates on Friday (June 20) and at crown court on Monday (June 23) where he spoke only to confirm his name and address.

He was remanded in custody until a preliminary hearing at Bristol Crown Court on Monday, July 14.

Guest was arrested by police hours after his grandmother’s body was found.

Police said yesterday a post-mortem examination had been carried out but further tests will need to be conducted to establish a conclusive cause of death.

Mrs Dorney is believed to have lived in Yate before becoming a resident at Oaktree.

The Gazette understands she was widowed by her husband James last year but has a large family in the town.