A FORMER soldier accused of stabbing a married couple to death in their home has appeared in the dock this morning.

Collin Reeves, 34, is accused of murdering Stephen and Jennifer Chapple as their young children slept upstairs.

The Chapples and Reeves lived in cul de sac Dragon Rise in Somerset village Norton Fitzwarren.

It's understood there had been a previous dispute over parking before the tragedy.

Reeves, an Afghan veteran, appeared at the crown court in Exeter via prison video link today.

The defendant, who wore a grey tracksuit, has not yet entered a plea to the charges against him.

Hewas remanded in custody by Judge Peter Johnson and will next appear for a plea and trial preparation hearing at Bristol Crown Court on December 23.

It's anticipated a trial will take place in April or May 2022.

EX COMMANDO IN COURT

Eight members of his family sat in the public gallery this morning.

As he was led away, they were heard saying "love you Colin" and "we're here for you".

A 67-year-old man – believed to be Reeves' dad – was also arrested in connection with the alleged killings.

He has been released on bail.

Post-mortem examinations reveal the Chapples both died of multiple stab wounds during the horror at 9.45pm on Sunday.

The couple's children are now being cared for by relatives at a home nearby.

Detective Inspector Neil Meade, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, said the family is being supported by specially-trained officers.

FRIENDS' TEARS

"It is undoubtedly an extremely difficult time for them and I'd ask their privacy is respected as they continue to come to terms with what has happened," he said.

And he said the children, who were unhurt, are deeply distressed.

"While thankfully they weren't hurt, they are understandably distressed at what has happened," he said.

"They are being looked after and specially trained officers have been deployed to support the victim's families."

Devastated friends have visited the scene of the tragedy to lay bouquets and notes of tribute for Mrs Chapple, a garden centre worker, and her husband, a computer teacher at a secondary school.

One said: "Make time for your friends. Make that visit to see family.

"You just never know what could happen tomorrow."

Another wrote: "Absolutely unbelievable. Cherish your friends and family you really don't know when it will be too late".

Cops confirmed they had previously been called to deal with rows between neighbours in the little street.

The couple's deaths have been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct because of previous police contact.

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