The former partner of a Croydon man found dead in his flat has appeared in court charged with his murder. 

Ricardo Pisano - nicknamed the 'Artful Dodger' -  was arrested last week after an international manhunt following the death of 62-year-old Michael Polding on July 16.

Mr Polding was found with multiple injuries in his flat in Brighton, where he moved from Croydon in August 2011.

Mr Pisano, 35, appeared at Lewes Crown Court yesterday for a preliminary hearing.

He is charged with murder, wounding and preventing the lawful and decent burial of a body.

The cause of Mr Polding's death was never formally established, but it is thought be died in May 2012 - two months before his body was found.

The discovery led to a worldwide search for Mr Pisano, who was born in South Africa and once lived in New Zealand.

Mr Pisano - known to also use the names Ricky, Ree and Brandon Victor Pillay - was arrested in Southampton on May 6 following an extensive police operation. 

BBC Crimewatch appeals and a dedicated website formed part of the manhunt.

Mr Pisano will return to court to enter a plea on August 2.