By james art A trial date has been set for five men accused of murdering a man whose body was found more than a month after he was last seen.
Michael Wheeler, from Yeovil, Somerset, has not been seen or heard from since August 24, with concerns for his welfare raised on September 16.
His body was found by officers from Avon and Somerset Police who were searching a property in Yarlington, Somerset, on September 25.
Four men – David Garland, 39, Jack Rance, 28, Mark Roberts, 38, and Reuben Clare, 18 – have been charged with Mr Wheeler’s murder.
They are also charged with conspiring to kill Mr Wheeler, along with Angus Warner, 32.
The five defendants who have been remanded appeared at Bristol Crown Court on Friday.
Judge William Hart said a plea and pretrial hearing will take place on January 31, while the trial is scheduled for April 28.
“The accused will remain in custody as they are,” the judge said.
David Elias QC, prosecuting, told the court: “The defendants are charged with conspiring to murder Michael Wheeler on or before August 24 this year.
“All are charged with Mr. Wheeler’s murder, except Mr. Warner.” The investigation into these crimes is ongoing.
“Mr Wheeler’s body was found on September 25 and inquiries are of course continuing at that location.”
Clare, of Yeovil, was represented by Mary Coe at the hearing, while Alistair Haggerty appeared for Garland, of no fixed abode, and Will Rose for Rance, also of no fixed abode.
Robin Shellard appeared for Yeovil’s Roberts, while Crewkerne’s Warner was represented by Ed Hetherington.