A SUSPECT in a historic murder case emerged for the first time since he was deported from the U.S and arrested at Heathrow.

Howard Patterson is charged with the shooting of Terrence 'Jeff' Allamby in September 1996, along with a string of other offences including possession with intent to supply cocaine and making a false statement to obtain a passport.

The 52-year-old defendant appeared at Reading Crown Court via video link from Bullingdon Prison on Monday, April 24.

Patterson, with black pointed hair, a grey beard and glasses, did not enter a plea at his first appearance at Oxford Crown Court on March 7, the day after he was swooped on by police.

Michael Holland, defending, said: "The reason for our delay regarding plea is because we are waiting for the extradition papers, which have been retained by American authorities since his arrest in March."

The alleged gunman is accused of killing Allamby at his Newtown flat in Morriss Court, with the fatal shooting believed to have been provoked by a feud between rival drug gangs.

Allamby, 43, was found with two gunshot wounds to his chest in the Mandela Court area of the town and Errington Lloyd Marks was jailed for life in May 1997 for ordering the killing.

Nathan Rasiah, prosecuting, said: "This defendant is charged with serious matters, particularly the count of murder dating back a number of years.

"There are quite a number of witnesses who are going to be required in this case."

Allamby was one of the key campaigners behind Reading Central Club and features on the town's black history mural on the IDR.

Judge John Reddihough, added: "I have fixed the trial for November 20 and I have extended the custody time limit until then. There will be a further hearing on July 31."

Patterson is charged with one count of murder and possessing a firearm with intent to endanger a life, one count of possession with intent to supply cocaine, two counts of making a false statement to obtain a passport and one count of possessing an identity document with improper intention.