The wife of Black Country lorry driver Reginald Southall today appeared in court accused of his murder. Muriel Southall was before Kidderminster Magistrates.

The 59-year-old, of Stourport Caravan Park, is charged with murder and perverting the course of justice.

Michael Whitcombe, aged 58, of Four acres Caravan Park, Worcester Road, Stourport, also appeared before the court accused of the same charges.

Magistrates immediately referred the matter to Worcester Crown Court due to the severity of the charges. Neither Southall or Whitcombe have yet entered a plea. The pair spoke only to confirm their names and addresses before magistrates referred the matter to the higher court.

They were remanded in custody until their next appearance at the crown court for a preliminary hearing on April 24.

Mr Southall, aged 62, had lived most of his life in Pensnett before moving to the Stourport Caravan Park, off Redstone Lane, with his wife last year.

He was found dead in the River Severn on December 16 by fishermen, 12 days after he disappeared.

A post mortem revealed he drowned but that he had suffered multiple injuries about his head and body.