Two men today appeared in court charged with the murder of a 24-year-old Dudley man who died on New Year’s Day – more than 18 months after being attacked.

Ismaaeel Rehman, who lived in Surrey Road, Woodside, was left with serious head injuries  after being attacked in Telford in July 2009.

The former pupil of Holly Hall School was in intensive care for more than six weeks after the incident.  However he collapsed and died at a relative’s house on January 1 this year. His cause of death was given as a result of post-traumatic epilepsy after suffering a seizure.

Jason Noto, 23, of Powis Place, Dawley Bank, Telford, and Robert Jones, 23, of Webb Crescent, Dawley, Telford, appeared in Telford Magistrates Court this morning charged with murder.

The pair were arrested on Tuesday and during today’s court hearing Noto and Jones spoke only to confirm their names and addresses.

They have been remanded in custody to appear at Shrewsbury Crown Court on December 5.

DCI Neil Jamieson, of Telford police, said a third man arrested on suspicion of murder has been bailed pending further inquiries.

Two women who were arrested on Tuesday morning on suspicion of perverting the course of justice also remain on police bail.