Trial date set for pair accused of murder after partial remains found in Bournemouth

The pair are accused of killing 49-year-old Simon Shotton from Bournemouth

Author: Maria Greenwood and Ben Mitchell PAPublished 20th Oct 2023

A trial date has been set for two people charged with murdering a 49-year-old man whose partial remains were found in Bournemouth.

Dorset Police have been investigating the death of Simon Shotton, 49, from Bournemouth, after the discovery in the area of the Manor Steps Zig Zag, off Boscombe Overcliff Drive, on August 26.

The force then found more human remains in the area of Boscombe Chine Gardens near to Boscombe Pier on September 6.

Debbie Pereira, 38, and Benjamin Atkins, 48, both from Bournemouth, appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court by video link from prison charged with Mr Shotton's murder.

Judge William Mousley KC set a trial date of April 10 2024 for the case to be heard by a High Court judge at Winchester Crown Court with a further case management hearing to be held on December 1.

He remanded the defendants into custody until then.

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