A PENSIONER has denied attempting to murder his elderly mother.

Ron Barham, 73, of Three Acre Drive, Barton-on-Sea, pleaded not guilty to attempting to murder 94-year-old Elsie Barham, at the Quaker House Residential Home in Barton Court Road, New Milton, on Thursday, March 7.

He is accused of trying to smother the 94-year-old on that date.

Barham, wearing a checked shirt and using a walking aid, spoke only to enter his plea at Winchester Crown Court yesterday.

Members of his family were present in the public gallery.

The hearing was adjourned for a trial date to be set and Judge Keith Cutler remanded Barham in custody.