A pensioner murdered in his home was facing charges for alleged offences committed just five weeks before his death, it emerged this week.

The body of Winston Fernandez, 69, was found at his home in Longdown Lane North, Ewell, on the morning of Monday, February 13, after the alarm was raised by a concerned neighbour.

On Tuesday Mr Fernandez was due to appear at South East Surrey Magistrates Court charged with causing annoyance, inconvenience and anxiety to another via a "public communication network" following a series of incidents on January 5 and 6.

A date had already been earmarked for a trial of April 17, which has now been cancelled.

Yesterday police refused to comment on whether they believe there may be any link between the alleged offences and the death of Mr Fernandez.

Surrey Police had already announced that Mr Fernandez had been in contact with them on ‘several’ occasions in the months before his death.

They have launched an internal investigation into their handling of his enquiries which is currently on going.

It is believed Mr Fernandez, who lived alone, may have known his killer as there was no sign of forced entry to the property and that he may even have invited him in.

A post mortem examination confirmed Mr Fernandez had died of ‘multiple injuries’ to his chest, neck and abdomen which were consistent with ‘no weapon’ being used suggesting he was killed with bare hands.

No arrests have been made but police have said they are pursuing a number of lines of enquiry.

Anyone with information should call Surrey Police urgently on 101 quoting reference EP/12/602.