Colchester News
Essex: Updated: Man appeared in court charged with murder of former Essex vicar
12:50pm Thursday 23rd February 2012
A 47-year-old man has been charged with the murders of the Rev John Suddards and retired teacher Betty Yates.
Stephen Farrow is accused of murdering Mr Suddards, 59, between February 13 and 14 and murdering Mrs Yates, 77, between January 1 and 5.
Farrow also faces a charge of burglary relating to a property in Thornbury, South Gloucestershire, between December 21, 2011 and January 3.
Mr Suddards, who was a clergyman in Halstead and Witham for more than 20 years, was found stabbed at his home in Thornbury on February 14.
Mrs Yates was stabbed at her cottage in Bewdley, Worcestershire, on January 2.
He appeared at North Avon Magistrates Court this morning for a hearing which lasted only a few minutes.
He is understood to have been remanded in custody to appear at Bristol Crown Court tomorrow.