A MAN accused of stabbing his common law wife to death has appeared in court.

Delroy Nelson, 27, faces a murder charge over the death of mother of three Belinda Edwards, 33.

Her body was found at the home the couple shared in Willows Avenue, Pinehurst, on September 9. She had suffered multiple stab wounds, and detectives said her body had lain for two hours before being discovered.

Neighbours spoke at the time of their shock at Ms Edwards' death.

Elsie Jesson, 87, said: "It was absolutely terrible out here. There were police cars all over the place, and they were out there all night.

"I couldn't believe it when I heard what had happened. I used to see the lady and the man who lived in the house out playing with the little girl all the time."

Ms Edwards' children were aged 15, 13 and three at the time of her alleged murder.

At a Bristol Crown Court hearing yesterday, Nelson's counsel, Sir John Nutting QC, asked for the case to be adjourned to allow further expert reports about his client to be prepared.

The judge, Recorder of Bristol Tom Crowther QC, granted an adjournment to a date yet to be specified.

Nelson was remanded in custody.