THE couple accused of killing Halesowen pensioner Cynthia Beamond are expected to make their pleas to the charge in October.

Leo Barnes and his partner Chantelle Moran-Stokes have both been charged with the murder of Mrs Beamond who was found dead at her home in Juliet Road, Howley Grange - two days after she was reported missing.

Barnes, 32, has also been charged with a second murder at an address in Belsize Park, London where the body of 67-year-old Philip Silverstone was recovered by police.

Moran-Stokes appeared before Judge John Warner at Wolverhampton Crown Court and she was further remanded in custody.

Mr Tarlowchan Dubb defending the 24-year-old of Latches Close, Darlaston told the court he would be making a bail application on her behalf in the near future.

Barnes of Runcorn Road, Balsall Heath, Birmingham did not appear before the Judge and he was also further remanded in custody in his absence.

Mr Robert Price prosecuting said police still had a great deal of work to carry out in both cases involving the checking of CCTV and mobile telephone records.

It would be an "extensive investigation," he added and a large number of "leads" had to be fully checked before the case could be finalised.

He said it was expected a Plea and Management Hearing for Barnes and Moran-Stokes would take place on October 10th and a subsequent trial was scheduled to last for four to five weeks.

Moran-Stokes who wore a blue top and a pair of grey tracksuit bottoms spoke only to confirm her name before being taken back into custody.