AN inmate charged with trying to have his estranged wife and her friend murdered will appear at Bolton Crown Court.

Andrew McGarry, aged 39, has been charged with two counts of soliciting to commit murder and three counts of encouraging or assisting in the commission of offences believing one or more crimes will be committed.

The crimes are alleged to have taken place between February 1 and June 10 last year.

He is currently serving a jail sentence at Wymott Prison in Ulnes Walton, Lancashire, but used to live in Horwich.

No plea was entered when McGarry appeared at Bolton Magistrates Court.

The case was adjourned. He will attend Bolton Crown Court on May 30 for a preliminary hearing.