A MAN accused of murdering a shop worker in his home was remanded in custody after appearing before a judge today.

Robert Baker, 23, is alleged to have killed John Coates, 61, whose body was found in his high-rise flat a fortnight ago.

Mr Baker, who lived in the same complex as the victim in Middlesbrough, appeared at Teesside Crown Court this morning.

He spoke only to confirm his name and to say he understood a timetable set down for the case during the brief hearing.

Judge Simon Bourne-Arton, QC, remanded him in custody until his next appearance at the court on December 18.

Mr Coates, who worked at Poundland in Captain Cook Square, Middlesbrough, was found dead on September 13.

Cleveland Police say he was last seen at his allotment near his flat in Fleet House, on Cargo Fleet Lane, four days earlier.

He failed to turn up for work the following day, his colleagues informed his family and one of his brothers found him dead.

A post-mortem examination revealed he died of head injuries, although a second is expected to be carried out soon.