Man pleads not guilty to murder after body found in flat on Isle of Wight

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Police attended the property in George Street in Ryde in January 2022.

A 38-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to the murder of a man who was found dead in a flat on the Isle of Wight.

Police attended the property in George Street in Ryde on the afternoon of Tuesday January 4, where the body of Scott Cooper, 33, from Newport, was discovered.

Piers Brazier, of George Street, Ryde, pleaded not guilty to the charge when he appeared at Winchester Crown Court.

His case was sent for trial, to be held at Isle of Wight Crown Court on June 27, with a further preliminary hearing to take place on May 27.

Judge Angela Morris told him: "You will remain in custody in the meantime."

Scott Cooper was found dead at a property in Ryde.

Police carried out raids on properties in Ryde this week and two men, aged 25 and 41, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder.

Two other men, aged 28 and 29, who were previously arrested on suspicion of murder, were re-arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder.

The 28-year-old was also arrested on suspicion of supplying Class A drugs. All four men have now been bailed.

Hampshire Police referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) after officers had attended the property earlier on the day of the fatal incident.