A MAN accused of murdering his wife and burying her in a shallow grave in their back garden has appeared in court.

57-year-old Thomas Flanagan was expected to enter his plea at Liverpool Crown Court to a charge of murdering Elaine Flanagan on July 25 this year, but the hearing was postponed until December 12.

Mrs Flanagan's body was found at a house in Wigan Road, Leigh, in August.

Flanagan, who appeared via video link from Walton prison on Monday, was further remanded in custody.