A man has appeared at Weymouth Magistrates Court charged with the murder of Andrew Quelch in Dorchester.

John Vincent O’Kelly, aged 54, of Chescombe Court, Winterborne Whitechurch, near Blandford is accused of murdering Mr Quelch, aged 48, in the county town between November 7 and 11.

O’Kelly, who appeared in the dock wearing a black T-shirt and flanked by two security guards, spoke only to confirm his name, age and address.

Prosecutor Heather Jackson told magistrates bail could not be posted at the court and that the case must be transferred to Winchester Crown Court.

Magistrates chairman Richard Campbell told O’Kelly the case would be transferred to Winchester Crown Court for a preliminary hearing that will begin at 10am on Tuesday, November 16.

O’Kelly was remanded in custody until his next court appearance.