A man accused of murdering his girlfriend, her sister and an elderly couple has accepted responsibility for their deaths.

Mark Hobson, 34, of New Lane, Selby, North Yorkshire, made a brief appearance at Teesside Crown Court today.

His barrister, Jeremy Richardson, told the court the former binman admits killing his girlfriend Claire Sanderson, her twin sister Diane, 27, at a flat in Camblesforth, near Selby, before killing James Britton, 80, and his 82-year-old wife Joan at their home in Strensall, near York, on July 18 last year.

Hobson, who spoke only to confirm his name during the 15 minute hearing, has not formally entered pleas to the four charges of murder. A trial date has been set for April 25 and Hobson has been remanded in custody.