Piers Brazier, who is accused of killing Newport man Scott Cooper at a flat in Ryde last week, has appeared in Crown Court charged with murdering the 33-year-old.
Brazier, 38, stood in the dock at Winchester Crown Court earlier today (Monday) in front of Her Honour Judge Angela Morris. He did not enter a plea.
Detectives investigating the killing spent last week questioning Brazier, who lived at the flat in George Street, Ryde where Scott Cooper’s body was found on Tuesday afternoon.
Officers are said to have come across a bloody crime scene, with forensic investigators having spent 6 days examining the scene so far. Specialist officers remain at the murder scene in Ryde with a cordon still in place outside the block of flats.
On Saturday it was revealed that Piers Carl Brazier had been charged with murder. He was remanded in custody to appear before Southampton Magistrates Court, with the case immediately sent up to the Crown Court.
A 28-year-old Isle of Wight man, also arrested on suspicion of murder, has now been bailed with conditions. Another man, a 29-year-old, who was also arrested on suspicion of murder, has already been released on conditional bail.
Hampshire Constabulary’s response to the incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. It’s known that Police attended the address at 02:50 on Tuesday morning, but it wasn’t until Tuesday afternoon that the gruesome discovery was made. The murder is said to have occurred on 3rd January.
Brazier will next appear before Winchester Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on 14th March.
Anyone with information that may assist the Police’s enquiries is asked to call 101 quoting Op Amaryllis (44220003393). Alternatively, submit information via https://www.hampshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/.
