A 48-year-old York man appeared before city magistrates today charged with murder, following the death of a man in the city more than three years ago.

Ian Edward Smith, of Ratcliffe Street, Burton Stone Lane, was arrested and charged yesterday with the murder of Colin Patrick Fawcett after new evidence came to light.

Wearing a black leather jacket and glasses, Smith spoke only to confirm his name, age and address.

Magistrates were considering his bail application today.

The body of Mr Fawcett, a 34-year-old kitchen porter, was recovered from the River Ouse near Fulford Hall on May 30, 1997, after it was spotted by a tour boat operator.

He had last been seen 11 days before, on May 19.

A post-mortem on Mr Fawcett proved inconclusive, and an inquest into his death recorded an open verdict on June 6, 1997.

Detective Inspector Phil Metcalfe, of York police, said: "There was no evidence to indicate murder at the time, but the death was never satisfactorily explained."

"But new evidence came to light yesterday and we followed that up."

The inquest heard that Mr Fawcett had been drinking heavily when he was last seen.

Mr Fawcett was a kitchen porter at St William's College restaurant, and lived in a flat at Hanover Street West in Clifton.

Residents who live near Ian Smith's home in Ratcliffe Street were shocked to hear the news of his arrest.

Latest: Smith was remanded in custody by magistrates today.