THREE men have so far been charged with the murder of Brian Waters.

John Godfrey Wilson, from Stockport, was charged with his murder last week, having earlier faced a manslaughter allegation.

He is expected to appear before Chester Crown Court for a plea and directions hearing on December 15.

James Stuart Raven, of Radcliffe, Manchester, and Otis Lee Matthews, of Melbourne Avenue, Stretford, have already both denied Mr Waters' murder.

The pair are expected to appear with Wilson for a pre-trial review later this month.

The murder trial, which could take six weeks, before a High Court judge, is due to take place on June 9 next year.

Meanwhile a 60-year-old man and 51-year-old man were due to appear before Macclesfield magistrates, as the Guardian went to press, in relation to the same investigation.

The pair, who have not been named, are charged with assisting an offender and attempting to pervert the course of justice.