Man appears in court accused of murder after human remains found in Somerset
Michael Bretton, 40, from Dorset appeared at Bristol Magistrates Court today (January 16)
Last updated 16th Jan 2026
A man charged with murder after human remains were found in Somerset has appeared in court.
Michael Bretton, 40, of Armoury Road, Shaftesbury, Dorset, appeared at Bristol Magistrates Court today (January 16) charged with the murder of 40-year-old Craig Hurcombe from Wiltshire.
Searches in the Roemead Road area of Gurney Slade led to the discovery of human remains on Wednesday (January 14) believed to be Craig Hurcombe, though formal identification and a post-mortem have not yet taken place.
Police say Craig's next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
Craig had been reported missing to Wiltshire Police at 10.45am on Saturday 10th January, nine days after he was last seen.
Bretton has also been charged with one count of stalking involving fear of violence against a woman.
He has been remanded into custody and is due to appear at Bristol Crown Court on Monday (January 19).