A 26-YEAR-OLD man has appeared in court to face a charge of murdering his father in Bournemouth.

Nathan Robinson is alleged to have killed William Spiller, whose dismembered body was discovered in a flat in Southbourne on Monday.

Robinson, from Dublin, is alleged to have committed the offence between May 15 and June 18

Wearing a white t-shirt and black tracksuit bottoms, he spoke only to confirm his personal details during a two-minute hearing before Bournemouth magistrates.

He was remanded in custody and will appear before Winchester Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on June 25.

Mr Spiller's body was found in a first floor flat in Stedman Road after neighbours alerted police.

Dorset Police's Major Crime Investigation Team is leading the inquiry into his death and is working with the coroner to establish the facts.

They believe Mr Spiller's body may have lain in the flat for several weeks and have appealed for information from members of the public.

Dorset Police have moved to reassure residents in the area and members of the Safer Neighbourhood Team have been talking to residents, under the supervision of Inspector Chris Weeks.

They have urged anyone with information to contact them in confidence on 101 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111. Mobile phone tariffs may apply.

WILLIAM Spiller, known as Bill, was a taxi driver in Poole and also worked as a doorman and a driving instructor in recent years.

Tribute has been paid by his friend and fellow cabbie Jon Fry who described him as “a gentle giant.”

He said Mr Spiller was 6ft 6ins tall and weighed around 25 stones.  He had a beard and wore glasses.

“He was a really nice guy and got on well with everyone” said Mr Fry. 

“I met him about 20 years ago and he and his son worked together as taxi drivers for a while.”

Mr Fry said Mr Spiller was a keen snooker player and played regularly at Rockley Park where he owned a caravan.

“He was such a nice guy, I can’t get over this” he added.