A BOURNEMOUTH GP charged with soliciting, encouraging, persuading, endeavouring to persuade or proposing to a person unknown to commit murder has appeared in court.

Dr David Crichton appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court yesterday morning.

The 63-year-old spoke only to confirm his name before Judge Peter Crabtree adjourned the case to Winchester Crown Court on December 20. The doctor was released on bail until that hearing.

Crichton is alleged to have solicited the murder of Andrew Bolden at his home in Cawder Road, Winton, in February this year.

He is also charged with sending Mr Bolden electronic communications, namely emails and text messages, which conveyed a threat for the purpose of causing distress or anxiety to the recipient.

Crichton is yet to enter a plea to any of the charges against him.