Man accused of killing pensioner

A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a pensioner.

Mark Smith, 37, from Great Saling, Essex, is accused of killing Michael Bird, 65, who was found dead at his home in Bunyan Way, Braintree, Essex.

A post-mortem examination found he had been strangled. Mr Smith was remanded in custody on Saturday at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court.

Mr Smith is due to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on 16 December. The body was found at the house on Wednesday.