AN unemployed man accused of killing a man found dead in his Oldbury flat is set to plead to the charge in July.

Darren Lander, aged 28 and of no fixed address, is charged with murdering 32-year-old Richard Groves of Alfred Gunn House in Langley.

Lander spoke only to confirm his name when he appeared before Judge James Burbidge QC at Wolverhampton Crown Court.

He was then remanded in custody until July 4 when he will return to the court for a plea and case management hearing.

Howard Searle, for the prosecution, told the judge that if a trial was necessary it was scheduled to begin on October 31st.

Dee Badhen defending Lander, who wore a grey top and dark trousers as he sat in the dock, made no application for bail.

She told the judge that they were still waiting to take full instructions from Lander about the case and confirmed he had a history of mental illness.

She said it was vital reports were prepared for the court before the any decision could be made about further progress in the case.

The judge agreed more information was vital but said it was unlikely there would be a trial because Lander had contacted police after the incident and been fully co-operative with officers.

The flat where the body of Mr Groves was discovered last Wednesday is by the side of Langley Green railway line and close to the main Wolverhampton Road into Oldbury.