Man charged with murder appears at court

THE case of a pensioner charged with murder has come before Bristol Crown Court.

Peter Weldon, 69, appeared before North Somerset magistrates on Wednesday charged with the murder of Stuart Noble.

Weldon was charged after the discovery of Mr Noble’s body at a property on The Old Maltings in the village of Oakhill, between Shepton Mallet and Radstock, on October 8. He was remanded in custody after a brief appearance at the court in Weston-super-Mare, and his case was committed to Bristol Crown Court.

The case was before the crown court on Thursday, but Weldon’s attendance was not required.

In a 21-minute hearing, Patrick Mason, defending, made no application for bail.

The Recorder of Bristol, His Honour Judge Peter Blair QC, adjourned the case for a further case management hearing at the court on January 29 next year.

In a tribute released by police, the family of Mr Noble – who also went by the name of Stuart Hopkin – said his loss had left a “gap in our family”.

It said: “We as a family are truly heartbroken and shocked beyond words that Stuart’s life has been taken away so tragically.

“Stuart will leave a gap in our family but will remain in our hearts forever.”

Avon and Somerset Police are treating Mr Noble’s death as an “isolated incident”.

Anyone with information about the incident should call Avon and Somerset Police’s major crime investigation team on 101 and quote reference number 5220228272, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.