A former nurse appeared at Oxford Crown Court charged with the murder of two patients at The Horton Hospital, Banbury.

Benjamin Geen, 24, of Kennedy House, Orchard Way, Banbury, also faces 18 charges of GBH with intent, and 18 charges of administering noxious substances to endanger life, in January 2004.

Geen's counsel yesterday indicated that his client will enter a plea of not guilty at a hearing in July. The trial has been set for January next year.