A man could stand trial next year for the murder of his 58-year-old partner from Colton, near Norwich.

Stuart Williamson, 56, is accused of murdering Diane Douglas between December 1 and December 31, 2018.

Ms Douglas was reported missing on Thursday, October 21 by family members.

Detectives from the Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team declared the case a ‘no body’ murder investigation after enquiries revealed Diane had not been seen for a significant period.

Eastern Daily Press: Diane Douglas, of Colton, near Norwich, who police believe has been murdered. Picture: Norfolk PoliceDiane Douglas, of Colton, near Norwich, who police believe has been murdered. Picture: Norfolk Police (Image: Norfolk Police)

Williamson, of Meadow Farm, Barford Road, Colton, who was arrested in Wales on Saturday night appeared at Norwich Crown Court on Wednesday (November 3) after being charged with murder.

The defendant, who has grey hair and a grey beard, appeared in court wearing a grey jumper and spoke only to confirm his details during the short hearing.

Eastern Daily Press: Police at Meadow Farm near Colton which is the centre of a murder investigation.Police at Meadow Farm near Colton which is the centre of a murder investigation. (Image: Archant)

Judge Alice Robinson pencilled in a potential trial date of April 19 next year.

A plea and trial preparation hearing will take place on January 14, 2022.

A police cordon remains in place at a property in Barford Road in Colton, where searches will continue.

The farmhouse at the centre of the police probe is located off Barford Road, between the villages of Colton and Barford, near Norwich.

Eastern Daily Press: Diane Douglas was reported missing from Meadow Farm near Colton by her family.Diane Douglas was reported missing from Meadow Farm near Colton by her family. (Image: Archant)

It stands next to farm buildings on the edge of woods with the nearest neighbouring properties more than half a mile away.

Eastern Daily Press: Police at Meadow Farm near Colton which is the centre of a murder investigation.Police at Meadow Farm near Colton which is the centre of a murder investigation. (Image: Archant)

Several police vehicles remained at the scene on Monday while temporary tents appear to have been put up in the grounds of the farmhouse.

People living in the villages of Colton and Barford expressed their shock with many unaware that a murder investigation was under way nearby.