THE teenager accused of murdering 44-year-old Charles Roger Millar has appeared in court less than a week since the killing.

Shelton Thulani Sibanda, 19, of no fixe abode, was due to appear at Bristol Crown Court this morning but had not arrived by the time his hearing began so it went ahead in his absence.

The 44-year-old victim, known by family and friends as Roger, died in hospital after being stabbed in Barnum Court, Rodbounre, at around 1.30am last Wednesday. His family, not thought to be from Swindon, were not in court.

Sibanda was remanded to appear again at Bristol Crown Court next Wednesday (June 20) for a further preliminary hearing.

Prosecutor Tessa Hingston said the police enquiry into the murder was still in the early stages.

She said: "The charge is murder and the date of the event is the 6 June and so the investigation is still at an early stage.

"The defendant is a young man of previous good character."

Meanwhile, a fifth man was still being questioned by detectives following an operation late on Sunday night in Corsham and three other men, two aged 18 and one aged 17, who arrested last Wednesday and Thursday, have been bailed until late July pending further enquiries.

Police are still appealing for witnesses and senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Matt Davey said: "We would still like to hear from anyone who has not yet spoken with us and we continue to urge witnesses to come forward."

If you have information that may assist police you are advised to call 101 or if you wish to remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.