A MAN has appeared in court charged with murder following the death of a 34-year-old man at a North Yorkshire centre for army veterans.

Ian McLaughlin, 51, of Marne Road, Catterick Garrison was at York Crown Court for a brief hearing.

He is charged with the murder of Craig Guy at The Beacon, which provides veterans with support in independent living.

Mr Guy was found with fatal wounds at the housing accommodation in Catterick Garrison at 11.30pm on Thursday, April 13.

In the dock, Mr McLaughlin spoke only to confirm his age and address.

Magistrates committed the case to Teesside Crown Court, where Mr McLaughlin will appear on Wednesday, April 19.

He will remain in custody until then.

The Beacon offers supported housing to single veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and who have support needs.

Its website says that its staff understand the unique needs of veterans transitioning into civilian life, adding: "A friendly, warm, safe supportive base, it offers a beacon of hope to veterans of all ages."

Mr Guy, 34, is believed to be a former soldier from Washington. One of his friends has now launched a crowdfunding appeal to attempt to raise £2,000 towards his funeral costs.

Colin Smith has set up a JustGiving page where people can donate to the appeal. More than £960 has already been donated since the appeal began on April 15.

On the page Colin Smith stated: “Weʼre raising £2,000 to helping towards funeral costs etc for a great friend a gentle giant with a big heart any donations would be very grateful.

“If anyone would like to help Craig's family in giving him a send off that he deserves any donations would be much appreciated.

“Craigs character was known to any one that met him a big hearted friendly guy with time for anyone.

“A lot of us went to school with him or were neighbours or just friends whenever you bumped in to him over the years you would always be welcomed by his beaming smile that he always had, we all have our own memories of our friend whether it was school social or from his time in the army serving his country which he loved helping others when away on his tours. RIP craig.”

The Northern Echo:

Many people have left tributes on the page.

One person wrote: “Absolutely devastating to think someone like you could be taken so tragically a gentle giant a gentle soul and a smile that made anyone smile right back at you sleep in paradise craig xxx”

Another said: “Great lad with a big heart of gold, sending love to the family and his lovely little lad he didn't deserve it rest in peace big lad.”