Trial dates have been set for five men accused of murdering a man whose body was found more than a month after he was last seen.

Michael Wheeler, of Yeovil, Somerset, has not been seen or heard from since 24 August after concerns for his welfare were raised on 16 September.

His body was found by officers from Avon and Somerset Police who searched a property in Yarlington, Somerset, on September 25.

Four men – David Garland, 39, Jack Rance, 28, Mark Roberts, 38, and Reuben Clare, 18, were charged with murdering Mr Wheeler.

They are also accused of conspiring, along with Angus Warner, 32, to murder Mr Wheeler.

The five detained defendants appeared at Bristol Crown Court on Friday.

Judge William Hart said that the defense and trial preparation hearing will be held on January 31, and the hearing is planned for April 28.

“The defendants will remain in custody as they are,” the judge said.

David Elias KC, prosecuting the case, told the court: “The defendants are charged with conspiracy to murder Michael Wheeler on or before August 24 this year.

“All but Mr. Warner are accused of murdering Mr. Wheeler. The investigation into these crimes continues.

“Mr Wheeler’s body was found on September 25th and of course investigations continue in that area as well.”

Clare, of Yeovil, was represented at the hearing by Mary Cowe, while Alistair Haggerty appeared for Garland and Will Rose appeared for Rance, also of no fixed abode.

Yeovil’s Robin Shellard appeared for Roberts, while Crewkerne’s Warner was represented by Edd Hetherington.