Ex-boxer Shaun Cummins' body parts found in freezer, Leicester court told

A dead man's body parts were found in freezers in his home, a court has heard.

Shaun Cummins, a former boxer, was found dead at his bungalow in Marriott Road, in Leicester's Saffron Lane estate, on Wednesday.

Thomas Dunkley (28), of no fixed address, appeared at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Saturday charged with his murder.

During the hearing, the court was told Mr Cummins had died sometime on or after September 1.

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Prosecutor Hilary Marsh said: "The deceased in this matter was involved in an accident in 2004. He was left paralysed and had to rely on assistance from a carer. About four years ago, he became friendly with the defendant.

"The deceased was bed-ridden and needed a lot of assistance. He also needed help from nurses to deal with issues he had."

Ms Marsh told the court that a nurse and a colleague visited the house on September 1. Mr Cummins was not seen again after that.

"Later on, the following week, there was a stench from the house," Ms Marsh said.

"Eventually, police were called as suspicions began to be aroused.

"Freezers were looked in and there appeared to be human remains in those freezers."

Ms Marsh said the defendant was arrested in Wakefield and charged with murder on Friday.

It was not revealed in court what caused Mr Cummins' death.

Dunkley, who wore a grey tracksuit, entered no plea during the hearing.

Parminder Bassi, representing Dunkley in court, made an application for anonymity – asking for the defendant to not be identified in public – on the grounds that Mr Cummins had criminal connections.

However, magistrate Stephen Warden said the application was redundant as it was made late in the hearing and Dunkley had already given his name in open court.

Several people watched from the public gallery as the hearing took place.

Dunkley was remanded back into custody until this morning, when he was due to appear before magistrates again.

Mr Cummins retired from boxing in 1995 with a record of 22 wins, six defeats and a draw.

A motorbike accident on the A6 in Birstall in 2004 left him paralysed, with no feeling from the chest down.

Police were called to Mr Cummins' home at about 3.30pm on Wednesday.

Neighbours told the Mercury they had seen officers scouring the garden and shining torches through windows before breaking down the front door.

A witness also said police brought out a body bag at about 2am on Thursday.