THE man who was allegedly murdered in Newent earlier this month was stabbed in the chest, Gloucestershire Coroner’s Court was told.

Marc Hastings, the 43-year-old victim from Berry Hill, was found dead at a property in Meek Road by police on Wednesday, August 12.

The court heard last week that Mr Hastings suffered a penetrating stab wound to the chest involving his heart.

Joanne Williams is to appear before a judge today, Wednesday August 26, at Bristol Crown Court after being charged with the murder of Mr Hastings.

Last Wednesday, Williams 51, of Meek Road in Newent, appeared in front of Judge Neil Ford QC, the Recorder of Bristol, via video link from HMP Eastwood Park.

After the 10 minute hearing in Courtroom 10, the judge adjourned proceedings until August 26.

• As a result of previous police contact with the victim and the accused, Gloucestershire Police referred itself to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

And after reviewing the case, the Commission has now deemed the matter suitable for local investigation by Gloucestershire Constabulary and will now review police contact with the victim and accused prior to the victim’s death.

A statement issued by the police force said: “It would be inappropriate to comment further while this process is ongoing.”