A businessman charged with murder has appeared in court.

Arran Coghlan, 39, is accused of killing Stephen ‘Aki’ Akinyemi, 44.

He was found dead at Mr Coghlan’s mansion on Brook Lane, Alderley Edge, Cheshire, on February 9.

Police said a post mortem examination showed Mr Akinyemi died from a single gunshot wound, although he had also suffered stab wounds to his upper body.

Mr Coghlan was taken to hospital with stab injuries after the body was discovered.

Mr Coghlan appeared wearing a white T-shirt and with his right arm in a sling.

He clutched paperwork and a brown envelope as he spoke only to confirm his address and date of birth during the brief hearing.

There was no application for bail, or plea entered, as the charge of murder that Mr Coghlan faces was read out.

The case was adjourned and he was remanded in custody to appear before a judge at Chester Crown Court today.