A MAN who was acquitted of murder in 1994 is standing trial again after new evidence emerged over the death of a father-of-two, a court heard.

Andrew Everson was accused of killing David Watkins with a shotgun in Searles Farm Lane, Pingewood, on January 14, 1993.

The 54-year-old, who denies murder, had been cleared in February 1994 for killing Mr Watkins and reappeared at Reading Crown Court this week.

Sir Andrew Nicol said a retrial was ordered after a review of the original case.

Prosecutor John Price QC told the court Mr Watkins had been shot in the back of the head with a shotgun.

Mr Price said police discovered new evidence during a review of the death in 2012.

The court heard further information into Mr Watkins behaviour on the night of his death on January 14.

Witness Susan Wardle told the court how she overheard a phone conversation between Mr Watkins and someone she believed was called Drew.

Shortly after the call, Mr Watkins left the house and did not return that night.

Ms Wardle said: "He always used to say 'I'm popping out' before leaving the house and he would always check his pockets for loose change before going out.

"He also left the house without his mobile phone or house keys, so I was expecting him to come home."

The court heard scientific tests, which revealed a close match between the fibres on Mr Watkins clothing from 1993 and fibres used in the upholstery of Mr Everson's Peugeot 309.

Mr Everson denied being in the defendant's car hours before the death of Mr Watkins.

Both men were said to be involved in dealing drugs, such as cannabis.

The jury were also told defendant denied being known as Drew when he spoke to police in 1993.

The trial continues.