Moses Alith charged with burglary, assault after allegedly breaking into Morwell home where Harry Wright found dead

A homeless man has been named in court after allegedly breaking into the home where an elderly great-grandfather was later found dead.

A homeless man police allege broke into the home where a nonagenarian was later found dead will be forced to provide a DNA sample to police.

Moses Alith, 42, faced the Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on Monday afternoon from police custody, sitting with his arms folded and head resting on a desk.

Police allege Mr Alith, of no fixed address, was arrested on January 30 in the regional Victorian town of Morwell after officers responded to reports of a burglary.

It’s alleged responding officers located Harry Wright, 91, deceased in the Maryvale Rd home about 9.20pm.

According to charge sheets released by the court, police allege Mr Alith broke into Mr Wright’s home, stole a watch, wallet and cash and assaulted the elderly man.

Harry Wright was found dead in Morwell. Picture: 9News.

He is charged with aggravated burglary, theft, assault and intentionally causing injury.

Mr Alith has not been charged in relation to Mr Wright’s death, with the circumstances still under investigation.

The court was told Mr Alith was allegedly on bail prior to his most recent arrest.

Members of Mr Wright’s family were present in court for the brief administrative hearing.

Mr Alith’s lawyer, Aliciabeth Licciardi, requested he be seen by a nurse while in custody, noting he had been homeless for “some time”.

The case was adjourned for three months by Magistrate Mia Stylianou after prosecutors said they would need the time to receive a pathology report and prepare the case.

Ms Stylianou also approved a request by prosecutors to force Mr Alith to receive a buccal swab — used to collect a DNA sample.

Detective Senior Constable Rhys Marriot gave evidence that the sample would be used to compare against DNA found on Mr Wright’s body and property belonging to Mr Wright that allegedly was located in Mr Alith’s possession.

“If they use force I’m not going to accept it, if they use no force I’m going to accept it,” Mr Alith said when told a sample would be taken.

Mr Wright was located in a Maryvale Rd home. Picture: 9News.

According to a Victoria Police spokeswoman, investigators located and arrested Mr Alith “nearby” during a search of the area.

“Investigators will await the results of a post-mortem and the investigation remains ongoing,” she said.

Mr Wright, a great-grandfather living alone after his wife Diana passed away last year, has been remembered as a “much loved” character in Morwell.

“Harry was a gentle soul, who volunteered at the club for over 25 years,” Morwell Club Inc Bowls club said in a statement.

“He would want everyone to celebrate his life, just like he did.”

In a funeral notice posted by Latrobe Valley Funeral Services, Mr Wright was remembered as a friendly, cheeky and well-respected soul.

He had been planning to leave for a cruise to New Zealand with his daughter at the weekend before his death.

Mr Alith was remanded into custody and will next appear in court on July 25.