A MAN and a woman appeared before Caerphilly magistrates yesterday charged with the murder of a 45-year-old Risca man.

Paul Jeffrey Lewis, aged 54, of Elm Drive, Risca, and Kathleen Carey, aged 55, also of Elm Drive, are jointly charged with the murder of William Anthony Jenkins.

Carey faces an additional charge, unrelated to the murder, of racially aggravated threatening behaviour relating to an incident the following day. The body of Mr Jenkins, who was known as Tony and 'Scrumpo' to his friends, was discovered on Sunday morning at his home in Holly Road.

Lewis, dressed in a black jumper and jeans, and represented by Llyr Williams, and Carey, dressed in a navy blue top and skirt, and represented by Martin Jones, spoke only to confirm their names and addresses during a short hearing yesterday.

The defendants were remanded in custody to appear before Newport magistrates on May 26.

Just after Mr Jenkins' death, a number of floral tributes to him were left outside his home.

His brother Chris Jenkins told the Argus: "He was a lovely guy who will be sorely missed."

Friends and acquaintances paid tribute to "a real gentleman" and spoke of their shock at his death.

Close family friend Louise Tranter told the Argus: "Tony was the street character and so polite, well-mannered and inoffensive. "His death has rocked the street."