A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a Radlett man who was found dead in the bedroom of a Somerset house. Phillip Adrian Hicks, 30, of Taunton, was arrested on August 23 after giving himself up to police.

He was charged with the murder of 29-year-old John Wickens between August 20 and 27. The former nightclub bouncer appeared before Taunton Deane magistrates on Thursday.

He was remanded in custody and was due to appear before magistrates again today.

The body of Mr Wickens, who it is believed lived of The Dell in Radlett, was discovered with head injuries by the occupant of the house, Hick's former wife, Michelle, 26.

A Home Office pathologist has completed a post mortem examination but an inquest has not yet been opened.

The circumstances of Mr Wicken's death are still unclear, as police have declined to comment on the murder inquiry.

A rumour that Mr Hicks' death was caused by shooting has been denied by Avon and Somerset police.

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