A DUDLEY man has appeared in court after a Birmingham dad was gunned down in a drive-by shooting.

Darielle Williams, aged 23, of Attingham Drive, is one of five men charged with the murder of 36-year-old Mekel Sterling.

The father-of-four, known locally as Skelly, died in hospital after being shot on Great Hampton Row on the night of Wednesday, September 13.

Williams appeared at Birmingham Crown Court on Friday (December 8), alongside Kayne Robinson, aged 24 from Roseberry Street, Springhill, Devonte May, aged 23 from Victoria Road, Handsworth, Jacob Brown, aged 24 from Bowling Green Lane, Handsworth and Geary Barnett, aged 19 from James Turner Street, Winson Green.

They all pleaded not guilty and were remanded in custody until February 9, when they will appear before the court again for pre-trial review.

A trial date has been set for April 9.