FORMER detective Mr Rodney Whitchelo appeared in court in London

yesterday charged with making a #1.25m blackmail demand on food

manufacturers Heinz. Mr Whitchelo, 42, a security officer from

Hornchurch, Essex, was remanded in custody by Marylebone magistrates.

He is accused of conspiring with a person or persons unknown that

between August 1988 and October this year, with a view to gain for

himself, he made an unwarranted demand for #1.25m on H.J. Heinz and

Company. There was no application for bail and Mr Whitchelo was remanded

for one week, but will not return to court until November 20.