Trial date for man in Jo murder case
Dutchman Vincent Tabak appeared via video link from Longlartin prison in Worcestershire for a preliminary hearing at Bristol Crown Court this week.
The 32-year-old Buro Happold worker, of Canynge Road, Clifton, in Bristol, is charged with the murder of landscape architect Miss Yeates between December 16 and 26.
Tabak, wearing a red jumper, sat at a table facing the camera in a small room with grey walls and a radiator.
He spoke only to confirm his identity and confirm he understood proceedings.
Both the public gallery of Court 9, and the jury box, were filled with reporters from national newspapers and TV.
The hearing was told that Miss Yeates' body has now been released so her family can begin to plan her funeral.
A post-mortem examination was carried out last week on behalf of Tabak's legal team by a pathologist, the court was told.
Tabak did not enter a formal plea but a provisional trial date was fixed for October 4. A plea and case management hearing will take place on May 4.
Mr Justice Treacy told Tabak: "Your next appearance in court will be on May 4 by which time the case papers will have been served and you will see in detail what the allegations are against you. There will be a hearing to make the final arrangements for a trial which we expect to take place in October."
No bail application was made and Tabak was remanded in custody.
The body of 25-year-old Miss Yeates, who was last seen alive on December 17, was found at the side of Longwood Lane, Failand, on Christmas Day morning.
The 32-year-old Buro Happold worker, of Canynge Road, Clifton, in Bristol, is charged with the murder of landscape architect Miss Yeates between December 16 and 26.
Tabak, wearing a red jumper, sat at a table facing the camera in a small room with grey walls and a radiator.
Both the public gallery of Court 9, and the jury box, were filled with reporters from national newspapers and TV.
The hearing was told that Miss Yeates' body has now been released so her family can begin to plan her funeral.
A post-mortem examination was carried out last week on behalf of Tabak's legal team by a pathologist, the court was told.
Tabak did not enter a formal plea but a provisional trial date was fixed for October 4. A plea and case management hearing will take place on May 4.
Mr Justice Treacy told Tabak: "Your next appearance in court will be on May 4 by which time the case papers will have been served and you will see in detail what the allegations are against you. There will be a hearing to make the final arrangements for a trial which we expect to take place in October."
No bail application was made and Tabak was remanded in custody.
The body of 25-year-old Miss Yeates, who was last seen alive on December 17, was found at the side of Longwood Lane, Failand, on Christmas Day morning.
