Marcus Osbourne: Man in court charged with murder after two found dead at house in Huddersfield

By Tom Wilkinson, PA
Published 18th May 2023, 11:31 BST
A man has appeared in court charged with murdering two people who were found dead at a house in Huddersfield.

Marcus Osbourne, 34, of Harpe Inge, Dalton, West Yorkshire, appeared at Leeds Crown Court charged with the murders of Katie Higton, 27, and Steven Harnett, 25. Ms Higton and Mr Harnett were found dead at her house on Monday (May 15).

Osbourne confirmed his name and date of birth from the dock at the start of the 10-minute hearing. Judge Guy Kearl KC, the Recorder of Leeds, remanded Osbourne in custody and said he will next be before the court on July 5 for a pre-trial hearing.

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A provisional trial date was set for November 6, with a time estimate of seven to 10 days.

Forensic officers arrive at a scene where two people were murdered on May 15, in HuddersfieldForensic officers arrive at a scene where two people were murdered on May 15, in Huddersfield
Forensic officers arrive at a scene where two people were murdered on May 15, in Huddersfield

The judge told the defendant he was allowing a slighter longer time before the pre-trial hearing, saying: "I have set it so your legal team has plenty of time to take instructions and for you to see a doctor, which is likely to happen in the near future."

Osbourne is charged with two counts of murder as well as false imprisonment and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in relation to another woman.

West Yorkshire Police said they were called to the address at 9.53am on Monday after paramedics found two people with multiple injuries believed to have been inflicted by a bladed weapon.

They were confirmed to have died at the scene.