Man charged with murdering three pensioners appears at Exeter court

Alexander Lewis Ranwell will appear at Exeter Crown Court

Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Alexander Lewis-Ranwell appearing at Exeter Magistrates' Court, where he is accused of murdering Anthony Payne, 80, and twins Dick and Roger Carter, 84. (Elizabeth Cook/PA Wire)

A man has appeared in court charged with murdering three pensioners.

Alexander Lewis-Ranwell is is accused of killing Anthony Payne, 80, and twins Dick and Roger Carter, 84, in Exeter between 10 and 12 February.

The 27-year-old from Croyde, North Devon, appeared at Exeter Magistrates’ Court on Saturday to face five charges.

He is also accused of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to John Ellis in Barnstaple on 9 February.

He faces the same charge in relation to Stasys Belevicius in Exeter on 11 February.

The bearded defendant, wearing a grey top, spoke throughout the brief hearing. He stood in the dock of courtroom one, flanked by custody staff and police officers.

Chair of the bench Mr Routh told him: “Mr Lewis-Ranwell, we are sending this matter to the Crown Court. You will be produced on Monday at 9.45 for a bail hearing and for a preliminary hearing on 21 March at Exeter Crown Court.”

Prosecuting, Joanna Clark invited magistrates to send the case to the Crown Court given the three murder charges faced by Lewis-Ranwell.

Katrina Byrne, representing the defendant, did not make any representations.

Mr Payne was found dead on Monday, while the bodies of the Carter twins were discovered at their home the following day.

Devon and Cornwall Police charged Mr Lewis-Ranwell with the three murders and two charges of grievous bodily harm.

He was remanded in custody and will next appear before Exeter Crown Court next week.

Press Association