A MAN and woman accused of committing murder have appeared in court.

Debbie Ann Pereira, 38, and Benjamin Lee Atkins, 48, blew kisses and told each other “love you” as they appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court via video link on Friday, October 20.

The pair are charged with the murder of 49-year-old Simon Shotton from Bournemouth.

Mr Shotton’s remains were found in the area of Boscombe Overcliff Drive in August.

The court heard how Pereira and Atkins both required psychiatric assessments and would not be entering official pleas to the charges at present.

Judge William Mousley KC arranged a further case management hearing for Friday, December 1, at Winchester Crown Court.

He addressed the defendants: “You will be back in court on 1st December and on that occasion, you will be produced.

“It is expected that you will be asked for your pleas.”

Friday’s appearance was the third hearing for Pereira and Atkin as part of the murder investigation.

As reported, police were called to Manor Steps zig zag, off Boscombe Overcliff Drive, on Saturday, August 26, following the discovery of human remains.

They were identified to be those of Mr Shotton.

A cordon was put in place while detectives from Dorset Police’s MCIT carried out enquiries.

In the days that followed, cordons were also put in place around the derelict Mon Bijou hotel in Manor Road, Bournemouth and in Aylesbury Road, Boscombe.

Then, on Wednesday September 6, further human remains were found in the area of Boscombe Chine Gardens near to Boscombe Pier.

Pereira and Atkins, both of Bournemouth, were arrested and charged for the murder.

A provisional starting date of April 10 has been given for the trial, should it be required.