Mark Manning murder suspect appears in court

Colin Gale, 39, of Offington Lane, Worthing, appeared at Lewes Crown Court this morning (Friday, January 29) for a preliminary hearing.

He indicated a plea of not guilty and was remanded in custody.

A trial date has been set for July 4.

The full charge is that Mr Gale murdered Mark Manning on or about April 19 2014 at P&B Motors/Western Road Car Sales, St Peters Place, Lancing.

Mr Manning, 54, of Brighton Road, was last seen on April 19, 2014 before his family reported him missing on April 22.

They said it was completely out of character for him to disappear.

Officers launched a murder investigation in June 2014.

Despite extensive proof of life enquiries and searches, no one has reported hearing from or seeing Mark. His body has not been found.

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