Overview
- Emergency services were called to a Linfield Road flat in Hanley at about 9:30pm on 12 November, where 55-year-old Stephen Lovatt was found unresponsive and pronounced dead at the scene.
- Staffordshire Police named Mr. Lovatt, who had no fixed address, as the victim and confirmed a murder charge has been brought.
- The defendant, 56-year-old Barry Scott Johnson, is described as being of Winsford and had been living in Hanley.
- Johnson appeared at North Staffordshire Justice Centre on 17 November and indicated he intends to plead not guilty.
- Forensic officers examined nearby locations the following day, and detectives continue to appeal for information through a public portal.