A MAN who was accused of shooting his neighbour to death at a traveller site in Wickford will face a crown court trial.

Levi Draper, 27, of Cranfield Park Avenue, Wickford, is charged with the murder of Hugh Docherty and the attempted murder of his sister Esther Doherty.

He is also charged with possession of a firearm with intent, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of cannabis.

Draper appeared via video link at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday, where a provisional date of October 16 was set for the trial.

Draper, who spoke only to confirm his name, is due to enter a plea on June 29.

Harriet Crittenden, 25, of Cranfield Park Avenue, is charged with the attempted murder of Esther Doherty and possession of a knife. She did not appear at court but a date was set for her plea hearing for Thursday, May 18.

Hugh Doherty, 45, died of a gunshot wound to the chest following an altercation at the site in Cranfield Park Avenue on Sunday, April 16.

A police cordon at the site has now been lifted.

An inquest into his death was opened by the coroners court on Friday where a provisional cause of death was recorded as a shotgun wound to the chest.

Anyone with information please contact crime stoppers or call 101.