THE body of a man found washed up on a beach on the Isle of Wight has been identified as missing yachtsman Robert Saint.

Detectives launched a search for the 70-year-old, pictured, after he disappeared from his home more than two weeks ago.

His body was found by a dog walker on the beach near Sandown on Wednesday night.

A post-mortem examination carried out by a Home Office pathologist at St Mary's Hospital, near Newport, showed Mr Saint died of head injuries.

The investigation has now been handed over to Sussex Police.

Mr Saint owned a £119,000 motor yacht which was based at, at Birdham Pool near Chichester, West Sussex.

A wallet belonging to the former timber yard manager from Steyning, West Sussex, was found at Bembridge by a woman on a day trip to the island.

The boat was found moored at Itchenor, near Chichester, soon after the father-of-one was reported missing.

David Alexander Macbride, 44, of Bramber Close, Bognor, has been charged with Mr Saint's murder.

He appeared at Worthing magistrates court and was remanded to appear at Lewes Crown Court on October 16.