Alan Greaves organist murder: Accused appear in court
Two men have appeared in court charged with the murder of a church organist who was attacked on his way to Mass on Christmas Eve.
Father of four Alan Greaves, 68, died three days after suffering severe head injuries in the attack in Sheffield.
Jonathan Bowling, 22, of Wesley Road, High Green, and Ashley Foster, 21, of Carwood Way, Pitsmoor, were both remanded in custody.
They are due to appear at Sheffield Crown Court on 18 January.
Mr Greaves, a lay preacher, was attacked while he was on his way to midnight Mass at St Saviour’s Church near his home in High Green on 24 December.
Speaking outside the court, Mr Greaves’ widow, Maureen, said her faith had helped her “immensely” in dealing with the loss of her husband.
“The support of the congregation and the police has been outstanding. I just want to praise the police for all that they have done and the sensitivity in which they have dealt with the case,” she said.*
Two other men are currently on bail pending further inquiries in connection with the death of Mr Greaves.
An inquest into his death was opened and adjourned on Thursday by Sheffield Coroner Chris Dorries.
*Isn’t it nice to know that there are still plenty of decent cops around! Well done to the cops concerned.
It certainly is.