Bridgnorth flat murder case three in court

Three people appeared in court today charged with the murder of a man in his Bridgnorth flat.

Michael Cyril Smith, 50, of Horton Road, Tipton, Paramjit Anbid Singh, 32, from Wilmore Road, Perry Barr, Birmingham, and Emma Bate, 25, from Gladstone Street, Birmingham, appeared at Telford Magistrates Court.

They are charged with the murder of 57-year-old Richard Sherratt at Old School Mews on June 14.

They were also charged with robbing Mr Sherratt of his watch, wallet and its contents.

Singh and Bate are also charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice by disposing of clothing between June 14 and 16.

The three defendants appeared separately before magistrates this morning and all three were remanded in custody to appear at Shrewsbury Crown Court on Monday.

None of the defendants spoke except to confirm their names and addresses.

There was brief applause from a woman in the public gallery after Bate was remanded.

The body of Mr Sherratt, who moved to Bridgnorth only a couple of months ago, was discovered by police in the first floor flat on Thursday.

He was a father of three and had previously lived in the Kinver and Stourbridge areas. A post mortem examination revealed the property developer had died from head injuries.

Shocked neighbours in the tiny Bridgnorth street did not know Mr Sherratt well but many described him as a friendly character.

Detective Chief Inspector Stephen Tonks, who is leading the investigation for West Mercia Police, said: "I would like to thank those who have come forward to help our inquiries and also remind people that anyone who believes they may still have information about Mr Sherratt's death can contact us on 0300 333 3000."

Details can also be forwarded anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.