A MAN accused of committing a murder without a body in Spain appeared at Maidstone Crown Court on Monday.

Stuart Martin, of Bramble Way, Hollingbury, Brighton, Sussex, is alleged to have killed Francis Ottley, 56, who was formerly from Dover.

Mr Ottley lived in the town until 2003, when he travelled to Spain in a motor home and then toured the country.

Friends became concerned about him after receiving a letter from an ex-patriot living in the La Linea area in April last year.

Kent Police were alerted because the letter writer said Mr Ottley had not been seen since February last year.

Police concluded from enquiries conducted with the full co-operation of Spanish authorities that Mr Ottley had been killed.

Detective Chief Inspector Dean Barnes said: "While the body of Mr Ottley has not been found, we believe he is no longer alive."

Unemployed Martin, 29, made the brief court appearance via a TV link to Elmley Prison, Sheppey.

Judge Andrew Patience, QC, remanded him in custody until November 13, when he will enter a plea to the charge, again by TV link.