Two men appeared in court Friday charged with the murder of a church organist who was attacked as he walked to midnight mass on Christmas Eve.
Alan Greaves, 68, a lay preacher and grandfather, died three days after suffering severe head injuries when he was attacked on his way to St Saviour’s Church, near his home in High Green, Sheffield.
Ashley Foster, 21, and Jonathan Bowling, 22, were remanded in custody at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court Friday when they appeared accused of his murder.
Foster, from High Green, and Bowling, from the Fox Hill area of Sheffield, wore identical navy blue T-shirts and jogging bottoms and spoke only to confirm their names, addresses and dates of birth and to give their ages.
The pair were arrested earlier this week and charged Thursday night. They will appear again at Sheffield Crown Court on January 18.
Two other men arrested in connection with the murder have been bailed pending further inquiries.
Speaking outside the court, Greaves’ wife Maureen said her faith and the support of the local community were helping her through the traumatic time.
“The support of the congregation and the police has been outstanding,” she said.
“I just want to pay tribute to all they’ve done, the sensitivity with which they’ve dealt with the case.”
An inquest into Greaves’ death was opened and adjourned Thursday at Sheffield Coroner’s Court.
Pair in court over Christmas Eve organist murder
