FIVE people appeared in court today charged with the murder of a man who was found dead at his home in Middlesbrough.

The body 27-year-old Steven Willis, who is also known as Pickering, was discovered at Meadowcroft Drive in Normanby on April 16.

Dominic Pickering, 22, Mark Pickering, 32, Jack Cross, 21, Jahmal Weaver, 21, and Kieran Ibitson, 20 appeared at Teesside Crown Court.

They are each accused of murder, an alternative charge of manslaughter, and two counts of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm against other men.

Dominic Pickering, of Grinkle Avenue, Mark Pickering, of Greenham Close, Mr Cross, of Olney Walk, Mr Weaver, of Rounton Green, and Mr Ibitson, of Beresford Crescent, are all from Middlesbrough.

The Pickering brothers, both wearing orange polo shirts and green trousers, appeared first on a live video-link to Durham Prison. The others, dressed the same, appeared from the same place a short time later.

All of the men denied the four charges they face, and the case was adjourned until another hearing in September.

An expected trial date of October 2 was set by Judge Stephen Ashurst.