A MAN has been sent for trial, accused of murdering a homeless man.

Paul Tobin, 38, is accused of killing Mark Woodley, whose body was found by a council worker in a disused Scout hut in Kingswood Park, off Clayhill Road, Basildon, in April.

Mr Woodley, 45 – known locally as “Swoopy”, apparently because of his habit of picking up discarded cigarette butts – died of multiple injuries.

The offence is alleged to have taken place some time between Monday April 14 and Wednesday April 16.

Tobin of Witchards, Basildon, appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court yesterday.

Wearing grey tracksuit bottoms and a blue sweatshirt, he answered only to confirm his name and enter a not guilty plea.

He will return to the court next February for a trial which could take as long as three weeks.

Judge Christopher Ball QC remanded Tobin in custody until the hearing.