'House of horror' couple in court

FRED and Rosemary West, the couple at the centre of the 'house of horror' murder inquiry, made a five-minute court appearance yesterday and were both remanded in custody again until 25 August.

Withiel Cole, for the prosecution, successfully applied for an adjournment after defence solicitors said they were still processing the large volume of paperwork in the case.

The Wests, who are jointly charged with the murder of nine young women and girls, were making their second court appearance together. They were crammed into a tiny dock at Gloucester magistrates' court, separated by two women police officers and a male officer.

Their alleged victims include their daughter Heather, who was 16 when she disappeared in May 1987. Fred West is further accused of murdering his first wife, Catherine, 26, their daughter Charmaine, eight, and a family nanny, Anne McFall, 18.

Mrs West is further accused of two rape charges - jointly with different men - relating to an under-age girl. It is further alleged she assaulted an eight-year- old boy.

(Photograph omitted)