A MAN has appeared in court today accused of murder. 

Anthony Wheaton appeared before a judge at Reading Crown Court for his preliminary hearing after being charged with the murder of 24-year-old Gee Smith. 

Wheaton was represented by Elisabeth Acker, and is accused of murdering Mr Smith at a property on Dart Close, Finchampstead, where the accused lives.

The 29 year-old was prosecuted by Lisa Goddard and appeared at court dressed in a blue t-shirt, and yellow and green trousers.

Thames Valley Police officers arrested Wheaton on Saturday November 25 following reports of a stabbing at Dart Close on Friday November 24, and charged him on the Sunday with one count of murder. 

Police and an ambulance team attended to the property to tend to Mr Smith, who died in the early hours of Saturday morning as a result of his injuries. 

Earlier this week, loved ones of Mr Smith had left flowers outside his home on Dart Close. 

The trial begins on May 21, and Wheaton will be streamed via video link to court on January 2,  2018 for his Plea and trial preparation hearing.