Body parts death accused in court

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Two people charged with the murder of a kitchen salesman whose body parts were found across two counties have been remanded in custody until 29 June.

Stephen Thomas Marshall, 37, of Ayot Path, Borehamwood, and Sarah Bush, 20, from Pickard Close, London, appeared at St Albans Crown Court via videolink.

They are accused of killing 49-year-old Jeffrey Howe, from Southgate in north London, between 7 March and 22 March.

Mr Howe died from a single stab wound to the back.

Mr Marshall and Ms Bush spoke only to confirm their personal details and entered no pleas to the charge.

Their next appearance will be at St Albans Crown Court. A trial is not expected to take place until November.

Police began investigating Mr Howe's murder when a body part was found on 22 March.

Mr Howe's head was found in a field in Leicestershire, while his torso, left forearm and legs were found in separate locations in Hertfordshire.

His hands have yet to be found.

Earlier this week the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said it would supervise an investigation by the Metropolitan Police Service into how it handled a report Mr Howe was missing.