A man accused of two double murders, including the killing of a Witney couple more than two decades ago will stand trial in June next year.

John William Cooper, 64, of Letterston, near Fishguard, Wales, appeared at Swansea Crown Court via a video link from Long Lartin Prison to plead not guilty to murdering Peter and Gwenda Dixon.

Cooper, who was arrested in May this year by cold case detectives from Dyfed Powys Police, also pleaded not guilty to seven other charges.

He is charged with the murders of millionaire farmer Richard Thomas and his sister Helen at their burnt-out mansion near Milford Haven in 1985.

The defendant is also charged with the murders of middle-aged tourists Peter and Gwenda Dixon, of Witney, on the Pembrokeshire coastal path in 1989.

In both cases the victims were blasted at close quarters with a shotgun.

Cooper is also charged with one count of rape and one for serious sexual assault and five attempted robberies in Milford Haven in 1996.

Mr Justice John Griffith Williams said: "This case is adjourned for trial in the week commencing June 7.

"The defendant, until that date, will remain in custody."

The trial is expected to last eight weeks.