TWO men have appeared in court charged with the murder of a father-of-two who died as he made his way home after a night out.

The body of Robin Chard, 47, was found a quarter of a mile from his home on wasteland at Low Heworth Lane, Felling, near Gateshead, in April.

Christopher Smith, 24, of Pankhurst Gardens, Wardley, and Joseph Mee, 27, of Whitemere Gardens, Wardley, entered no pleas during a short hearing at Newcastle Crown Court yesterday.

A plea and directions hearing will take place on July 20. The pair were remanded in custody.