A 69-year-old man has appeared in court today (Wednesday) charged with murdering a woman in Bondleigh near North Tawton.

Stephen Parsons, of Cadditon farm, Bondleigh, is accused of murdering Erica Parsons, who was in her 60s, on Saturday, February 11.

Parsons appeared before Judge Robert Linford who was sitting in Truro Crown Court today.

The defendant appeared over a video link from Exeter Prison.

He was remanded in custody and was told his next appearance will be on March 16 for a plea and trial preparation hearing at Exeter Crown Court.

No application was made for bail.

Parsons was told that he may go on trial at Bristol Crown Court in August.

Police said they were called to an address in Bondleigh shortly after 12.30pm on Saturday and a woman's body was located within the property.