THE man accused of murdering an 86-year-old woman in her Quantocks Hills village home earlier this year is expected to enter a plea in court next month.

David Parish, aged 36, is alleged to have killed Beryl Purdy, known as Bez, in Broomfield on March 27.

His case was brought before the Recorder of Bristol Judge Peter Blair KC, sitting in Bristol Crown Court on Friday (September 22).

Parish was not in court and remained in Exeter Prison where he was being held on remand.

His address was given as Halyard Drive, Bridgwater.

Judge Blair ordered Parish to continue to be remanded in custody and set a plea and trial preparation hearing for October 20.

Separately, Somerset senior Coroner Samantha Marsh is due on Monday (September 25) to open inquest proceedings into Mrs Purdy’s death.

The hearing, which will be held in the Old Municipal Buildings, Taunton, will then be adjourned to a later date.