A Great Yarmouth pensioner will deny murdering an 18-month-old boy almost 50 years ago, a court has heard.
David Dearlove, 70, is charged with murdering toddler Paul Booth, from Haverton Hill, Stockton.
Mr Dearlove stood in the dock at Teesside Magistrates' Court, Middlesbrough, for a two-minute hearing. No pleas were entered and he made no application for bail.
Magistrates remanded him in custody to appear at Teesside Crown Court on Wednesday.
The charge was not read out but was clarified after the defendant - who wore a black T-shirt and had grey hair in a side parting - was led away.
Adam Hodge, defending, said: 'I can say that the matters are denied. There will be a trial.'
Mr Hodge said an application for bail will be made in the future.
Afterwards the clerk said the charges Dearlove faces are one of murder on October 1 1968, and one of neglect between January and October 1968.
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