ALLEGED murder victim Eamonn McDonagh and his brother were both listed to appear before Blackburn magistrates.

Summonses for driving while disqualified and without insurance against Eamonn McDonagh, 19, of Brothers Street, Blackburn were marked "deceased."

Peter McDonagh, 23, also of Brothers Street, failed to appear before the court to answer a charge of obtaining property by deception.

Michael Blacklidge, defending, said there had been a fire at McDonagh's house and it was not clear whether he was aware of the court hearing.

He was also aware that McDonagh had returned to Ireland for some part of his brother's funeral.

The case was adjourned until February 26.