Man faces court over killing at farm

A factory worker will appear in court today charged with the murder of a man who was found dead on a farm.

William Martindale, 39, was discovered with serious head injures on Friday night after police were called to reports of an assault at the site off Mill Lane in Ongar, Essex.

Paramedics attended the scene but pronounced him dead shortly after arriving.

A provisional post-mortem examination result showed Mr Martindale, of Crispey Avenue, Ongar, died from head injuries.

A second man, aged in his 50s and from Barking, east London, was also found on the farm suffering from head and chest injuries.

He was taken to a nearby hospital where he remains in a stable condition.

Paul Groves, 33, was arrested by officers from Essex Police shortly after the incident and was yesterday charged with one count of murder and one count of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

The suspect, of Queensway, Ongar, will appear at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court later.

A 66-year-old man from Ongar, who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, was bailed by police until October 26 pending further inquiries.

PA