TWO men have appeared in court charged with murder after an inmate was allegedly strangled at one of Scotland's toughest jails.

Dean Ramsey, 30, was found in a critical condition at Glenochil Prison, Clackmannanshire, shortly before midday on Saturday, January 9.

He was rushed to the Forth Valley Royal Hospital, 12 miles away in Larbert, where he died two days later despite a battle by doctors to save his life.

Today James O'Rourke, 50, and Peter Allan, 31, appeared on petition at Falkirk Sheriff Court, charged with murder.

The petition alleges they did "tie a ligature round his neck and compress his neck".

Neither man made any plea during a brief, private, hearing before Sheriff Derek Livingston, at which O'Rourke appeared in person in the dock and Allan by video link.

Procurator fiscal depute Katie Cunningham appeared for the prosecution.

Represented by defence solicitor Mark Fallon, the two men were committed for further examination and remanded in custody.

They will appear in court again within eight days.