Two men in court over Newcastle-Under-Lyme flat death
Two men have appeared in court charged with the murder of a 42-year-old man in Newcastle-Under-Lyme.
Brian Townley, known as Nick, from Dyke Street in Hanley, was found dead at a flat in Hempstalls Lane on 17 July.
Richard Kelly, 29, and Thomas Heames, 21, appeared at Stafford Crown Court on Monday.
Mr Kelly, of Parkhead Drive, Weston Coyney, and Mr Heames, from Hempstalls Lane, Newcastle-Under-Lyme, were remanded in custody.
The pair are due back in court on 1 October.
Mr Townley's father Brian Townley said: "We are totally devastated and are struggling to come to terms with the circumstances surrounding Nick's death.
"We cannot understand why this has happened and ask that any persons who have any information please come forward and assist the police."