Written by Exmouth Journal court reporter.

A man accused of murdering a 74-year-old woman in Ludwell Valley Park, Exeter has been remanded in custody by a Crown Court Judge.

Cameron Davis, aged 30, of Exeter Road, Exmouth, refused to attend the video booth at Exeter Prison and a short hearing was held in his absence at Exeter Crown Court.

Davis is accused of the murder of pensioner Lorna England, who died from stab wounds after allegedly being attacked in Ludwell Valley Park, Exeter, on the afternoon of Saturday February 18.

She lived in nearby Southbrook Road and is not thought to have known Davis before the incident.

Judge Simon Carr, appearing by video link from Truro Crown Court, set a date of March 23 for the next hearing and a provisional date of August 14 for a trial at Exeter.

Mr Joss Ticehurst, defending, did not apply for bail and said that psychiatric reports will be sought before the next hearing.

Police were called on Saturday afternoon to reports of an assault in the park.

The victim died at the scene despite members of the public and the emergency services going to her aid.