A MAN charged with murder following the discovery of a decomposed body in a flat has made a brief appearance at the crown court today.

David Fielding, 25, of Lynthorpe Road, Blackburn, has been charged over the death of 27-year-old chef James Christopher Todd, whose remains were found at an address in Rutland Close, Clayton-le-Moors.

He appeared at Preston Crown Court today for a preliminary hearing in the case.

A plea and case management hearing is due to take place on January 11 next year.

A date for possible trial has been scheduled for February 14.

There was no application for bail and the defendant was remanded in custody by Judge Anthony Russell QC.