THE trial of four men accused of the murder of a father-of-two who was found shot dead in a Meon Valley lay-by is set to start today (Thursday).

The body of Gurinderjit Rai, a 41-year-old from Eastleigh, was found in a car that was parked in Shepherds Farm Lane, Corhampton, on July 13 2019. He died as a result of shotgun wounds.

Corin Barlow, 41, Aston Hannis, 29, Charlie Statham, 30, and Paul White, 27, are due to appear at Winchester Crown Court having pleaded not guilty to the murder of Mr Rai.

Barlow is also accused being in possession of a firearm to enable Hannis to endanger life.

A fifth defendant Philip Hodan, aged 43 and of Longwood Dean Lane, Owslebury, will also go on trial alleged to have participated in the criminal activities of an organised crime group - involving his co-defendants - by providing his address to be used as an operational base and/or a false alibi to supply class A drugs and the murder of Mr Rai.

Barlow, of Lumley Road, Horley, Surrey; Hannis, of Leah Gardens, Eastleigh; Statham, of Crescent Close, Winchester; and White, of Dyson Drive, Winchester, have been remanded in custody since they were charged in July last year.