A LODGER and his boyfriend have appeared before magistrates in Chippenham this morning to face a charge of murdering Antonietta Guarino.

Marc Riley, 24, and David Carr-Burstow, 19, are jointly accused of murdering 61-year-old Italian national Antonietta Guarino sometime between January 6 and 13.

The couple, who appeared in court at 11.15am wearing pale grey long-sleeved tops, spoke only to confirm their address and date of birth.

Riley, who works at Virgin Mobile in Trowbridge, lived with Mrs Guarino at her bungalow in Osborne Road, Trowbridge. Carr-Burstow is of no fixed abode.

Michelle Hewitt, prosecuting, told magistrates: "The police inquiry is ongoing and the body has not been recovered.

"The exact circumstances leading to her death still remain to be clarified."

Michael Jeary, defending Riley and Carr-Burstow, said the pair were co-operating with police.

Mrs Hewitt said Mrs Guarino was last seen on January 7, when she attended an appointment at a Trowbridge doctors' surgery.

No application for bail was made and Riley and Carr-Burstow were remanded in custody until a preliminary hearing is held at Bristol Crown Court on Friday February 13.

As they left the court the pair could be heard shouting.

Reporter Charley Morgan said: "They were both stood in court with their sleeves pulled up to the elbows.

"They only spoke to confirm their address.

"Carr-Burstow had dyed blond hair, which was growing out.

"As they came out of the dock and were taken back to their cell you could hear shouts of frustration."

Riley will be held at HMP Horfield in Bristol and Carr-Burstow at a youth detention centre until their next court hearing.