Halliwell to be quizzed over second fatality

THE man accused of murdering Sian O'Callaghan is expected to be interviewed soon by police over the death of Becky Godden-Edwards, a court has heard.

Minicab driver Christopher Halliwell, 47, is to be questioned in the coming weeks.

Prosecutor Ian Lawrie, QC, told Bristol Crown Court: "As the court will know, another lady has been found and identified, and it is the police's intention to interview Mr Halliwell in respect of that young lady.

"That will be done in the next few weeks, and I simply mention it because depending on how that interview goes there will be an inevitable Crown application to connect matters."

Halliwell appeared for the five-minute preliminary hearing via videolink from Long Lartin prison in Worcestershire.

He spoke only three times to confirm he could hear proceedings, to confirm his name and to confirm he understood what the judge said.

Halliwell was sitting down behind a table and looked straight ahead towards the video camera.

Daren Samat, representing Halliwell, confirmed his client did not wish to make an application for bail.

Mr Justice Burnett remanded Halliwell, of Ashbury Avenue, Swindon, in custody until a plea and case management hearing on 14 July.

He said: "Mr Halliwell that's the end of this hearing. The next hearing in this matter has been listed for 14 July."

Halliwell replied: "Okay, thank you."

Det Supt Steve Fulcher, who is leading the investigation, was present in court. No members of either woman's family were present.