A JUDGE has approved the continued detention of a man who is accused of a fatal stabbing in Burnham-on-Sea.

Dominic Lacey is due to stand trial at Exeter Crown Court later this month accused of the murder of Joseph Pearce, whose body was found in Churchill Close, Burnham-on-Sea in July 10, 2017.

Lacey, aged 21, of Newham Place, Patchway, has denied murder. He was not present at a short hearing at which Judge Geoffrey Mercer, QC, approved the extension of custody time limits until after the start of his trial.

He is due to stand trial with James Hobbs, aged 43, of Churchill Close, Burnham-on-Sea, who denies assisting an offender.

Mr Pearce, aged 40, died from a single stab wound after allegedly being injured while at Hobbs's home.