A FARNWORTH man accused of murdering dad Marc Jepson is set to go on trial in August.

Carl Hodgkiss, aged 28, of Elton Avenue, Farnworth, appeared for a preliminary hearing via a video link from Manchester Prison at Manchester Crown Court yesterday.

Irene Hodgkiss, aged 63, of Firwood Avenue, Farnworth, who is charged with assisting an offender, also appeared at the hearing via a video link from Styal prison.

The Honorary Recorder of Manchester Judge David Stockdale QC, remanded them both in custody until a plea and case management hearing on May 22, with a trial, expected to last 10 days, listed to start on August 4.

Dad-of-two Mr Jepson was found dead at his home in Kildare Street, Farnworth, on March 5.

A 41-year-old Farnworth woman, who was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder, has been bailed until June 3 while police investigations continue.