TWO men and a woman charged in connection with the murder of Marc Jepson have appeared in court.

Carl Hodgkiss, aged 28, of Elton Avenue, Farnworth, is charged with Mr Jepson’s murder.

He appeared via videolink from HMP Manchester at Manchester Crown Court yesterday.

Irene Hodgkiss, aged 63, of Fairwood Avenue, Farnworth, is accused of assisting Hodgkiss and she appeared via videolink from HMP Styal.

Both were arrested days after Mr Jepson’s body was discovered at his home, an end-of-terrace house in Kildaire Street, Farnworth, on March 5.

The pair appeared before magistrates on March 12 after being charged.

Carl Hodgkiss, bald-headed and wearing glasses and a grey sweater, spoke only to confirm his name and that he could hear the proceedings.

Irene Hodgkiss, wearing a red top, did the same, and also had a fresh application for bail refused. Both are still remanded in custody.

Vikas Hussain, aged 25, of Leverhulme Avenue, Great Lever, who was charged with perverting the course of justice, appeared in person because he is on bail.

The three were due to enter pleas in relation to their charges, but Rob Hall, prosecuting, requested that the hearing be adjourned.

All three defendants will return to Manchester Crown Court, Crown Square, on June 5.

  • A fourth suspect, a 41-year-old woman, who was arrested in March at the same time as Carl and Irene Hodgkiss, will be answering police bail next week, said a Greater Manchester Police spokesman.