A WINSFORD man has appeared at crown court charged with murdering a Middlewich man on September 1.

Gerard Robert McKeown, 26, formerly of Dene Drive, spoke only to confirm his name when he appeared at Chester Crown Court for a preliminary hearing yesterday, Tuesday.

He was sent to crown court from Crewe Magistrates' Court, where he appeared on September 5.

Recorder of Chester Judge Elgan Edwards adjourned the case for two weeks when the court will review the matter after further inquiries have taken place.

McKeown was remanded in custody until the date of the next hearing.