Becky Watts: Stepbrother Nathan Matthews remanded in custody after appearing in court charged with murder of 16-year-old

Girlfriend Shauna Hoare appeared charged with perverting the course of justice

A photo from 2012 believed to show Nathan Matthews, 28, and his partner Shauna Phillips, 21

The stepbrother of 16-year-old Becky Watts has been remanded in custody at Bristol Magistrates' Court charged with her murder.

Matthews and his girlfriend Shauna Hoare were initially arrested on suspicion of Becky's kidnap on Saturday. The pair, of Cotton Mill Lane, Bristol, were later rearrested over her death and charged on Wednesday.

Matthews is charged with the "murder of a person aged one year or older, namely between 19 February and 3 March, murdered Rebecca Watts".

Matthews, who wore a blue shirt and was unshaven, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address. He will appear via a video link before Bristol Crown Court on Friday.

He did not enter a plea.

District Judge Lynne told Matthews: "As we all know, this case will have to go to the Crown Court.

Becky Watts (EPA)

"I cannot entertain any application for bail this morning and thus I will remand you in custody until tomorrow."

Hoare also appeared in the courtroom charged with perverting the course of justice. She was remanded in custody to appear before Bristol Crown Court on 2 April. There was no bail application during her minute-long briefing hearing.

Becky, 16, went missing 28 February. Officers found human remains in Bristol after receiving a tip-off on Monday night.

Four men and one woman, arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, remain in police custody.

Additional reporting by PA