Manslaughter charges against all four defendants in the "body in the carpet" case were today dropped.

The charges related to the body of Adrian Doherty, 31, of Normandy Avenue, Barn Hall, Colchester, which was discovered at Pyecat Corner near Elmstead Market.

A woman walking her dog saw a pair of feet sticking out of a rolled-up carpet on September 27 last year.

Colchester magistrates were told that the Crown Prosecution Service was dropping its case against Diane Nichols, of Alexandra Road, Colchester, and Anne Marie Shard, of Acacia Avenue, Greenstead.

All charges of conspiracy to conceal a body and of manslaughter, which carries a maximium punishment of life imprisonment, were today formally withdrawn.

A charge of manslaughter against Stewart Skinner, 34, of Sherwood Close, Greenstead, has also been withdrawn.

The charge against him of concealing a body between September 22 and 26 last year, was adjourned for two weeks.

Paul Whiteley, 34, of Mundon Road, Maldon, had been accused of conspiracy to conceal a body, but this charge was today amended to concealing a body. Magistrates have adjourned the case until January 28.

The charge of mansalughter against Barry Coppin, 35, of Wistaria Court, Greenstead, was also dropped today. A charge of concealing a body, and another of possessing an offensive weapon on January 13 were adjourned for one week. He was remanded in custody.

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