A MAN charged with the murder of Windermere Hotel Worker Gordon James Smith has appeared in court for the first time.

Speaking only to confirm his name and address, Mark Russell, 26, of Holly Terrace, Windermere, had the charge read to him at Furness and District Magistrates Court today (Monday, July 6).

He will now appear at Carlisle Crown Court on Wednesday, July 8, for a bail hearing.

Russell has been charged with the murder of Mr Smith, who was pronounced dead at the scene after his body was discovered on Lake Road, Windermere, on Wednesday, July 1.

Mr Smith, 44, had worked at Windermere Golf Club for eight years and later the Grey Walls Hotel at Elleray Road, Windermere.

Police initially arrested four people over the incident.

A 31-year-old Millom man has been bailed until July 17 and two females, aged 48 and 15, both from Kent, have also been bailed until Friday.

Superintendent Rob O’Connor said: “I would like to reassure the people of Windermere and the wider community that enquiries are continuing. 

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the community for their assistance. 

“Anyone with any further information which could assist the investigation is asked to contact police on 101.”