A man has pleaded not guilty to the murder of former Witham vicar Rev John Suddards.

Stephen Farrow, of no fixed address, appeared via video link from Long Lartin Prison in Worcestershire on Friday.

During the hearing at Bristol Crown Court, Farrow, 47, spoke to confirm his name and to enter pleas to the three charges against him.

Farrow pleaded not guilty to the murder of Mr Suddards in Thornbury, Gloucestershire between February 12 and 15 He also denies the murder of retired teacher Betty Yates in Bewdley, Worcestershire between January 1 and 5.

Farrow pleaded guilty to the charge of burglary at Vine Cottage, Thornbury, between December 21 and January 3.

Judge Neil Ford QC referred the case for trial, which is expected to start on October 8 and last up to six weeks.

Mr Suddards moved to Thornbury last July, having been rector at St Nicolas Church in Witham since 2001.

The popular vicar was assistant curate at St Andrew’s and Holy Trinity churches in Halstead from 1989 to 1993 and priest-in-charge at Great and Little Yeldham, Tilbury Juxta Clare, Stambourne, Toppesfield and Upper Colne until 2001.