Barnstaple builder denies double murder

Neil Langmead denies charges at Exeter Crown Court

BARNSTAPLE builder Neil Langmead has denied murdering his estranged wife and her friend after appearing at Exeter Crown Court today (Monday.)

Langmead, 40, pleaded not guilty to the murder of his wife Deborah Jones and Donna St John, both 35, whose bodies were discovered following a fire at a house in Fortmead Close, Barnstaple on August 22 last year.

During a brief plea and case management hearing he also denied a charge of arson, being reckless as to whether life would be endangered.

Judge Graham Cottle remanded Langmead, of Convent Close, into custody until his scheduled trial date on June 7.