A MAN charged with murdering his mother has appeared before Chelmsford Crown Court

Peter Dickson, 37, of St Vincent Road, was remanded in custody until January 2 for a plea and case management hearing.

The carpet fitter is charged with murdering mother-of-three Carol Cooper, 66, also of St Vincent Road, between October 31 and November 2, who was found dead at her flat on Friday.

No plea was entered by Dickson, who appeared in the dock wearing a red top and bottoms.

He also failed to confirm his name in court today and when asked to do so said: “I think that’s my name.”

Pre-trial reports are being obtained by the defence and after being informed of this, Judge Charles Gratwicke urged them to be served on the prosecution.