A MAN accused of murdering a homeless vagrant has appeared in court.

Paul Tobin, 38 is alleged to have beaten 45-year-old Mark Woodley to death.

Tobin, of Witchards, Basildon, was charged with murder and appeared at Southend Magistrates' Court yesterday.

Tobin, who appeared in the dock unshaven and wearing a blue jumper, answered only to confirm his name and address and did not enter a plea.

The body of Mr Woodley, of no fixed abode, was found in a disused Scout hut in Kingswood Park, Clay Hill Road, Basildon, last Wednesday.

Tobin was arrested by officers at a flat in Long Riding, Basildon, on Friday morning and he was charged with murder on Saturday evening.

Tobin was remanded in custody following yesterday's short hearing. He will reappear at Basildon Crown Court in June.