A MAN has appeared in court to plead not guilty to a charge of murder.

Antony Leighs, aged 24, of Covert Gardens, Talke, is accused of the murder of Michael Hammersley earlier this year.

Police discovered the 32-year-old's body at his Union Street home, in Hanley, on May 26.

Leighs pleaded not guilty at a hearing at Shrewsbury Crown Court yesterday.

He was remanded in custody until November 20, when a pre-trial review will be held at Stafford Crown Court.