Pair remanded on 'jigsaw man' murder charge

A couple appeared in court today accused of killing a man whose body parts were found scattered across two different counties.

The dismembered limbs of kitchen salesman Jeffrey Howe, 49, from Southgate, north London, were found in Hertfordshire and Leicestershire earlier this year.

Mr Howe became known as the "jigsaw man" after the series of macabre finds, sparked by the discovery of his left leg in a lay-by in Cottered, Hertfordshire, on March 22.

Officers later discovered his head, torso, right leg and arms at different rural spots.

Stephen Marshall, 37, of Ayot Path, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, and 20-year-old Sarah Bush, of Pickard Close, Southgate, north London, are accused of his murder some time between March 7 and March 22 this year.

The pair appeared via video link for a plea and case management hearing at St Albans Crown Court this morning.

The court heard that a trial, expected to last four to six weeks, may take place in January.

Today, both defendants, who did not make any pleas, were remanded in custody until a further hearing in October.