A MAN accused of murdering his wife appeared for the first time at Liverpool Crown Court today, Friday.

Thomas Flanagan, aged 57, was charged with murdering his wife Elaine Flanagan after her body was found in the back garden of their home in Wigan Road, Leigh shortly after midnight on Tuesday morning.

A Home Office post mortem examination to establish the cause of her death was inconclusive and further tests are ongoing.

Flanagan appeared via video link from Walton prison and was further remanded in custody until November 24 when he is expected to enter his plea.