A COUPLE accused of murdering a man and dumping his body parts in rural locations, including near Royston, have appeared in court. Stephen Marshall, aged 37, of Ayot Path, Borehamwood, and his girlfriend Sarah Bush, aged 20, from Pickard Close, Southgate

A COUPLE accused of murdering a man and dumping his body parts in rural locations, including near Royston, have appeared in court.

Stephen Marshall, aged 37, of Ayot Path, Borehamwood, and his girlfriend Sarah Bush, aged 20, from Pickard Close, Southgate are charged with murdering kitchen salesman Jeffrey Howe, 49, at some time between March 7 and March 22 this year.

The pair appeared on video link at St Albans Crown Court for a preliminary hearing but only spoke to confirm their names and addresses. The pair have yet to enter pleas.

Mr Howe's left forearm was found in Drovers Lane, near Wheathampstead on Sunday, March 28, following the discovery of his left leg at Cottered the previous weekend. A second leg was found near Puckeridge.

His severed head was found in a field in Leicestershire on Tuesday March 31, and his torso was discovered in Standon, near Ware, over the Easter weekend. All that remains missing is the victim's hands.

Judge Michael Baker QC adjourned the hearing until some time in October. The trial is expected to last four to six weeks with a provisional start date of January 12.