TWO people will appear in court on Monday morning charged with the murder of Martin Ithell, whose funeral will take place that afternoon.

Scott Davidson, 22, of Hawthorne Road, Frodsham, and Rachael Horton, 19, of Hawthorn Road, Little Sutton, will appear at Chester Crown Court for the first time.

Mr Ithell, 49, from Great Boughton, was found shot and stabbed in a car driven to Blacon police station in the early hours of Saturday, March 12.

A celebration of Mr Ithell’s life takes place at St Lawrence Church, Stoak, on Monday (April 11), at 1pm, close to where he grew up on a farm in Wervin. This will be followed by a service at Blacon Crematorium at 2.30pm.

The church only holds 150 people so a public address system will relay the service to up to 300 mourners outside.

Martin’s partner Sarah Potbury will try to address the congregation if she feels strong enough. His close friend Tony O’Donnell from Chester and cousin Meilyr Owen, an S4C football commentator, will read the eulogies. Pall bearers will be close friends.

Family flowers only are requested with donations to Help for Heroes and Chester Boxing Club, which Martin supported.