A MAN accused of murder failed to appear in court on Thursday.

Daniel Thomas Reed was arrested at about 1.25am on Monday on suspicion of murdering 53-year-old Shaun Skelton.

Mr Skelton's body was found in his flat at Chancery House in Holgate Road, York, at about 1.50am.

Reed, 19, of Strensall Road, York, was charged with murder on Tuesday and was due before Leeds Crown Court on Thursday morning.

However Recorder of Leeds Judge Peter Collier was told Reed was not presented as he was considered medically unfit.

In his absence, Reed was remanded in custody and is next due to appear before the court on April 7, for a pre-trial preparation hearing.