TWO men accused of murdering missing Dudley woman Julia Rawson have appeared in court.

Nathan Maynard-Ellis, aged 28, of Mission Drive, Tipton and David Leesley, aged 23, of Dereton Close, Russell's Hall, Dudley, appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court via video link from HMP Hewell today (Wednesday May 29).

The pair have been charged with the murder of 42-year-old Julia Rawson, who has been missing from her Dudley home since May 12.

Detectives are continuing to investigate Julia's disappearance and have carried out searches of a canal near Dudley.

Police believe she has died but her body has not yet been found.

Maynard-Ellis and Leesley will re-appear at Wolverhampton Crown Court on June 24 to enter a plea.