A MAN believed to have been murdered in his own home was facing prosecution for assault.

Carl Scott, 37, who was found at his Winchester home last month, was due to stand trial at the city's crown court on April 25.

He had denied an allegation of assault occasioning actual bodily harm against James Jemmott.

Mr Scott had appeared at crown court on the one-count indictment on January 11 at Winchester Crown Court for a pre-trial hearing in which he had entered the not guilty plea.

Mr Scott had been on bail pending the trial, which had been due to last two to three days.

But yesterday the Recorder of Winchester, Judge Keith Cutler, was told about the death and that the case had been dropped.

The body of Mr Scott, was found at his home in Birch Court, off Thurmond Crescent, Stanmore, on Wednesday, March 22.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Morgan said: “I am continuing to appeal to anyone who knew Mr Scott and saw him or had contact with him since February 1 this year.

"You may not think you have any significant information but I would still encourage you to get in touch as even the smallest piece of information could be vital to our investigation.”

A 58-year-old man from Winchester who had been arrested on suspicion of murder and released on police bail pending further enquiries. He has not been named.

Anyone who had any information that could be relevant to this investigation should call 101, quoting Operation Teasel.

You can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where information can be left anonymously.

Minicom users should call 01962 875000.