A MAN accused of murdering his sister's partner as well as kidnapping and falsely imprisoning a County Durham couple appeared before Liverpool Crown Court today.

Daniel Breaks, 47, from Hallville Road, Allerton, Merseyside, is accused of murdering Simon Sutton.

The body of the 40-year-old was found wrapped in a carpet and bin bags in an alley in Birkenhead, Merseyside, on April 16.

Mr Sutton was living with Mr Breaks' sister and her two children on Argyle Street South at the time of the discovery.

He is also accused of taking a couple from their Chester-le-Street home and driving them to London before abandoning them.

Mr Breaks, who appeared in court via a video-link with Strangeways prison, did not enter a plea to the charges but is expected to do so on September 10.

Judge Henry Globe QC, the Recorder of Liverpool, further remanded him in custody.