Two men were remanded in custody when they appeared in court charged with the murder of businessman Michael Willard.

Derek Hunter, 37, and Stephen Jones, 26, also faced charges of robbery at Hastings Magistrates Court yesterday.

Jones, of no fixed address, is additionally charged with three counts of intimidating witnesses.

No bail application was made for Hunter, of West Hill Road, St Leonards, who will appear for a preliminary hearing at Lewes Crown Court on March 10.

Jones will also appear at Lewes on the same day.