THE man accused of murdering Sian O’Callaghan and Becky Godden-Edwards is likely to be tried next year, a court heard yesterday.

Taxi driver Christopher Halliwell faced Bristol Crown Court just two days after appearing before magistrates for the first time accused of the murder of Miss Godden-Edwards.

The new charge against the 47-year-old alleges he murdered Miss Godden-Edwards in Swindon between December 27, 2002, and January 1, 2006.

Miss Godden-Edwards’s remains were discovered near Eastleach, on the border of Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire, after Halliwell was detained by detectives investigating the death of his other alleged victim.

Miss O’Callaghan disappeared after leaving a Swindon nightclub in the early hours of March 19 after a night out with friends.

Police found the 22-year-old’s body in a field near Uffington five days later.

Halliwell appeared for yesterday’s 10-minute preliminary hearing on a video link from Long Lartin Prison, near Evesham in Worcestershire.

He spoke only to confirm his name, that he could hear the proceedings, and that he had understood what had been said.

The court heard that a plea and directions hearing had been fixed for Thursday, July 14.

Judge Neil Ford, the Recorder of Bristol, said the trial would take place next year. Halliwell, of Ashbury Avenue, Swindon, did not make an application for bail and Judge Ford remanded him in custody. He said: “Mr Halliwell, the next hearing in this case will be July 14.”

Miss Godden-Edwards, who would have celebrated her 29th birthday last month, was last seen by her family about eight years ago.