A man accused of stabbing his 81-year-old grandfather to death is to undergo psychiatric tests to see if he is fit to stand trial. 

Ashley Francis, 26, has been charged with murder following an incident in Hockwold, between Thetford and Downham Market, on February 29. 

Police were called just before 9am following reports that a man had been stabbed in the neck with a kitchen knife.

The victim, who has been named locally as Mervyn Moulton, was transferred to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge but died a week later on March 7.

Eastern Daily Press: An 81-year-old man died after being stabbed in the neck at a house in Hockwold, between Thetford and Downham MarketAn 81-year-old man died after being stabbed in the neck at a house in Hockwold, between Thetford and Downham Market (Image: Newsquest)

Francis, of Whittington Hill, King’s Lynn, had been staying with his grandparents at the time of the incident.

READ MORE: Pensioner dies in hospital after being stabbed in Hockwold

Norwich Crown Court was told Francis, who did not appear at a hearing, is currently detained at a mental health facility and is undergoing psychiatric assessment.

Judge Alice Robinson scheduled another hearing for May 17 that will see him arraigned if he is deemed to be fit to enter a plea. 

She set a date for him to stand trial from August 5 and expected to last up to seven days.