A 23-YEAR-OLD man has this morning appeared in court charged with the murder of John Barry Coates.

Robert David Baker, of Fleet House, Cargo Fleet Lane, Middlesbrough, was remanded in custody by Teesside magistrates.

Mr Baker is charged with the murder of Mr Coates who was found dead in the flat where he lived alone in Fleet House on Thursday, September 13. He had suffered head injuries.

He was last seen on the afternoon of Sunday, September 9, when he had been working on his allotment.

He was found at his flat by a family member after his employer raised the alarm.

Mr Coates, who was unmarried and had no children, leaves a sister and four brothers. He was described as an extremely private man who lived on his own.

Mr Baker is due to appear at Teesside Crown Court within the next 48 hours.