The trial of two men and a woman accused of murdering a 56-year-old Colchester man is due to take place in October.

Before Ipswich Crown Court today were Mark Hartley, 32, of New Kiln Road, Colchester, Darren Miller, 45, of no fixed address and Heidi Kennedy, 46, of Queen Elizabeth Way, Colchester.

All three have denied murdering Martin Dines from Colchester on April 22.

Essex Police launched a murder investigation following the discovery of a body at St Mary’s car park in Balkerne Hill, just before 9am on Monday, April 23.

The victim was later identified as Mr Dines, who was believed to have been a member of the town’s rough sleeping community.

The trial of the three defendants, which is expected to last several weeks, will get underway on October 22.

Judge Martyn Levett remanded all three defendants in custody.