Joanna Yeates’ parents face accused man who denies murdering her

David and Teresa Yeates were at Bristol Crown Court for a pre-trial hearing for Vincent Tabak, who arrived at the court earlier in a prison van.

The couple have not seen Tabak in person in court before as the defendant has appeared by videolink from prison at previous hearings they attended.

They arrived at the court hand in hand, accompanied by two police officers.

Tabak, a Dutch engineer, has admitted the manslaughter of Miss Yeates, a 25-year-old graduate, but denies her murder.

The charge states that Tabak “unlawfully killed” Miss Yeates between December 16 and December 19.

The 33-year-old is facing a four-week trial, which is due to begin on October 4 at Bristol Crown Court.

Miss Yeates, who lived in Clifton, Bristol, disappeared on December 17 after going for Christmas drinks with colleagues.

Her frozen body was found dumped on a verge in a lane in Failand, north Somerset, on Christmas Day.

The case was adjourned until the trial and Tabak was remanded into custody.