Man accused of Barcelona murder

Derek Cowan's body was found at his apartment in Barcelona

A former Royal Navy officer has appeared in court in Spain accused of murdering a Scottish businessman in Barcelona last month.

The body of Derek Cowan, 46, originally from Larkhall, was discovered in his Spanish apartment on 8 October.

Police described his death as "violent".

William Madley, also 46, from Huddersfield, Yorkshire, was arrested by police in Barcelona at the weekend after a five week search.

He was sent to the city's Modelo prison to await trail after appearing before an investigating judge at a closed door hearing.

Mr Cowan's body was found at his apartment in the upmarket Eixample neighbourhood.

The discovery was made by a German business associate of Mr Cowan, Andreas Langweider.

Mr Madley is reported to have served in the Royal Navy aboard a nuclear submarine at Faslane for four years during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Police in Barcelona would not give any details of how Mr Madley was traced and arrested.