Stephen Farrow charged with murders of Reverend John Suddards and Betty Yates
Comments |
Detectives say the
murders of Reverend John Suddards (left) and Betty Yates (right)
are linked
A man accused of the murders of
vicar John Suddards and retired teacher Betty Yates has been
remanded.
Stephen Farrow appeared via
video link from Bristol Prison and spoke only to confirm his
name.
The 47-year-old was remanded in
custody by Bristol Crown Court ahead of a hearing next
month.
Farrow, of no fixed address, was held by North Avon Magistrates'
Court in Yate in south Gloucestershire.
It comes after the 47-year-old was found at a house in
Black Bull Road, Folkestone, on Sunday.
It follows the killings of a vicar in South Gloucestershire and
a retired teacher in Worcestershire.
Reverend John Suddards was found stabbed to death in Thornbury
last week, while 77-year-old Betty Yates was discovered at her home
in Bewdley on January 2.
Farrow, pictured left, was arrested by officers from
Kent Police in the end-of-terrace house at around 4.20am after
a tip-off from a member of the public.
He was questioned by detectives for four days before being
charged with both murders last night.
Farrow's arrest came a day after Avon and Somerset Police named
Farrow as a suspect in the murder of Reverend John Suddards.
Mr Studdards was found stabbed to death at the vicarage of St
Mary's Church in Thornbury, near Bristol, last Tuesday.
He had been a clergyman for 22 years, but only began
working at St Mary's after moving from Witham, Essex, last
July.
West Mercia Police linked his death with that of 77-year-old
Betty Yates, who was murdered in Bewdley, Worcestershire.
Her body was found at the foot of the stairs at her home on
January 4. Like Mr Suddards, she had been stabbed to death.
Police at the
end-of-terrace house in Blackbull Road, Folkestone, where Stephen
Farrow was arrested on Sunday
Officers thanked members of the public for their support.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Jamieson of West Mercia Police
said: "I would like to express my gratitude to those members of the
public who have helped us and responded to our appeals and I would
also still encourage people to come forward and talk to us if they
have information which could assist our inquiry."
CPS Senior District Crown Prosecutor Siân Sullivan said: "Having
reviewed this case in line with the Code for Crown Prosecutors, I
have today decided that there is sufficient evidence to charge
Stephen Farrow with the murders of Betty Yates and John
Suddards.
"I have also authorised a charge of burglary at a separate
address in Thornbury."
Anyone with information should call 101 or Crimestoppers
anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Sunday, February 19 2012
The KM Group does not moderate comments.
Please click here for our house rules.