Yeates murder accused remanded in custody

Dutch engineer Vincent Tabak, Miss Yeates's next-door neighbour, appeared at Bristol Crown Court for a bail hearing.

He was remanded to appear at the same court next Monday.

Members of the public and journalists filled the gallery for the 10-minute hearing.

A greying Tabak, who wore a red jumper, with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and dark trousers, appeared in the dock accompanied by five dock officers.

He spoke just twice during the brief hearing.

The clerk asked the clean-shaven, bespectacled 6ft 4in defendant if he was Vincent Tabak.

He leaned forward towards the dock glass and replied: "Yes, that is correct."

An interpreter attended the court but Paul Cook, representing Tabak, said she was not required on this occasion but did not rule out the need at subsequent hearings.

Ann Reddrop, appearing for the Crown, asked for a remand into custody and outlined the reasons.

The judge agreed and said: "Mr Tabak will be remanded into custody until the next hearing, which is the preliminary hearing on January 31."

Addressing Tabak, the judge said: "I am remanding you in custody.

"You will appear before me next Monday morning at 10am when you will appear for a preliminary hearing which will set out a timetable for the trial of your case."

Tabak replied: "I understand."

He first appeared before JPs at Bristol Magistrates' Court on Monday, charged with killing the 25-year-old landscape architect between December 16 and December 26.