A MAN has been charged with the murder of Mark Bradbury.
Mr Bradbury was found dead at his bungalow on Station Road South in Padgate last summer, having suffered ‘significant head injuries in a brutal attack’.
Daniel Shovelton, from Longbarn, was arrested at his home address on Saffron Close on Tuesday, and the 40-year-old has since been charged with murdering Mr Bradbury.
He appeared at Warrington Magistrates Court in order to face the charge this morning, Thursday.
Shovelton - appearing via video link to Cheshire Police's Runcorn custody suite - spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, address and nationally during a short hearing.
The defendant will now appear before Liverpool Crown Court next week.
He has been remanded into custody until that date.
A Cheshire Police spokesman said: “A 40-year-old man has been charged with murder in relation to the death of Mark Bradbury.
Mr Bradbury outside his home on Station Road South
"Daniel Shovelton, of Longbarn, was arrested at his home address on Tuesday, March 24."
Mr Bradbury's body was discovered on the evening of Sunday, August 4 2019 – the 58-year-old dad having last been seen alive at around 5pm the previous Thursday, after returning home from walking his dog with his brother.
Officers had probed his suspected low-level involvement in the supply of cocaine as a key lead in the case.
As part of Operation Keynotes, the investigation into Mr Bradbury’s death, detectives had also appealed for information on the whereabouts of his wristwatch – which is believed to have been taken by the killer.
His daughter Hannah paid tribute to her dad in the wake of his murder.
Hannah Bradbury with detective inspector Sarah Oliver
The then 19-year-old said: “Mark was a family man, the life and soul of every party, generous and loyal.
Mark Bradbury with daughter Hannah
“Everyone who knew him is suffering from immense heartache.
“A lover of sport, dogs and his daughter, Mark will be greatly missed as he is loved.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact the force on 101, quoting incident number IML476959, or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
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