A man has appeared in court in Banbury charged with two counts of murder.

Michael Kelly, 45, appeared at Banbury Magistrates’ Court this morning and spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth.

Wearing a light grey tracksuit, Kelly, of Hatch Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, faced two counts of murdering Sally Ann Cox, 43, and Martin Faulkner, 22, both of Mold Crescent, Banbury.

He was also charged with one count of grievous bodily harm.

He is alleged to have murdered the mother and son at their home in Banbury, on Monday.

A post mortem examination concluded Mrs Cox died from “multiple head injuries consistent with a heavy bladed instrument”.

Kelly, who had short dark hair and was about 5ft 8 tall, was remanded in custody until tomorrow when he is due to appear at Oxford Crown Court.

Chairman of the magistrates Lynne Dowler said: “You will be remanded to Oxford Crown Court until tomorrow morning, December 16, at 10am.”

Kelly, who was surrounded by three female guards in the dock, will also appear at Oxford Crown Court on Monday, December 20, for a preliminary hearing.

Police have also confirmed a post mortem has now taken place on the body of Mr Faulkner.

The results concluded he died as a result of multiple sharp weapons injuries.

The 19-year-old girl who was in the address in Mold Crescent, Banbury, at the time of the incident remains in the John Radcliffe Hospital, and her condition is improving.