A WELLINGTON pensioner is expected to appear at Exeter Crown Court on Wednesday, charged with murder.

Malcolm Beardon, 79, has been in custody since Friday after police were called to a house in Churchfields, Wellington following reports that a man had killed his wife.

Officers found the body of Margaret Beardon, 78.

Mr Beardon appeared at Taunton Deane Magistrates' Court this morning and was remanded in custody.

Beardon family members released the following statement through Avon and Somerset police on Monday: "The past few days have been extremely stressful for all involved.

"We would ask that the media respect the privacy of the family now and while we provide care and support to our father who we love dearly.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the services who continue to help us through these difficult times."

See the WWN for further updates.