THE man accused of the murder of Bewdley retired teacher Betty Yates appeared before a High Court judge today.

Stephen Farrow, 47, who is also charged with the murder of South Gloucestershire vicar John Suddards, appeared via video-link from HMP Bristol.

He spoke before Mr Justice Keith at Bristol Crown Court only to confirm his name and that he could hear the court proceedings.

Farrow, of no fixed address, is accused of the murder of Mr Suddards between February 13 and 15 and the murder of Mrs Yates between January 1 and 5.

He also faces a charge of burglary relating to a separate property in Thornbury, south Gloucestershire, between December 21 and January 3.

Prosecutor Sian Sullivan told the judge that a preliminary hearing had been fixed for March 9 and a plea and case management hearing was to take place on June 1.

Hannah Uglow, defending, confirmed she was happy with the timetable and said that Farrow would not be making a bail application.

Mr Justice Keith told Farrow: "Mr Farrow you are going to be remanded into custody.

"There will be a hearing on March 9 and the plea and case management hearing will be on June 1."

Farrow was arrested in Folkestone, Kent, last Sunday following a tip-off from the public after Avon and Somerset Police launched a nationwide manhunt.