The partner of missing children's author Helen Bailey was charged with murder after police found the writer's body in the grounds of her home.

Ian Stewart, 55, appeared at Hatfield Remand Court today wearing a light shirt and trousers. Mr Stewart, of Baldock Road in Royston, was also charged with perverting the course of justice by reporting Ms Bailey as missing and hiding her body, and preventing a lawful burial.

A post-mortem examination of the 51-year-old author is due to take place on July 18 while specialist searches at the home continue.

The writer, who created the Electra Brown series for teenagers, was last seen walking her miniature dachshund Boris near her home on April 11. The body of the dog was also found in the grounds.

After Ms Bailey vanished, it was initially thought that she had gone away for a few days and may have been depressed.

She disappeared just weeks after the fifth anniversary of the death of her husband John Sinfield, 65, who drowned when he was caught in a rip tide while on holiday in Barbados.