Carer describes how she found Orelia man Allan Pederson (82), who later died

THE carer who found Orelia 82-year-old Allan Pederson has described him as a “lovely old fella.”

Today Michael Andrew Dalton (59), of Orelia, appeared in Rockingham Magistrates Court charged with the murder of Mr Pederson.

Margaret King went to Mr Pederson’s house to take him to a medical appointment on Wednesday, February 6.

After knocking and banging on the doors to no avail, she checked with a neighbour.

The neighbour said to check the back of Mr Pederson’s home because he sometimes left it open.

“I went around the back and saw him,” Ms King said.

“It was awful.

“I never want to see that again.

“So we contacted police straight away and waited until they got there.

“He was a lovely old fella…he used to be a merchant seaman.”

Mrs King called police at about 12.30pm after she made the discovery.

Mr Pederson was taken to Fiona Stanley Hospital by St John Ambulance, where he died later that night.

Police forensic units are at the address investigating the circumstances surrounding Mr Pederson’s death.

Mr Dalton, who was known to Mr Pederson, was refused bail.