Former binman Mark Hobson made his first appearance in court today charged with the murder of four people.

Looking shaken and unkempt, he looked around nervously as he stood in the glassed-off dock of the number one court at Harrogate Magistrates.

Flanked by two strapping security officers and with his hands cuffed together, he appeared smaller than his 5ft 9ins.

His balding head had a light covering of hair and his tanned face was thickly stubbled.

He wore jeans and a large beige-coloured T-shirt with the manufacturer's name Kangol emblazoned across his chest.

The 34-year-old stood with his head slightly bowed and his eyes downcast as the charges were read to the packed court. He nodded and spoke softly to confirm he understood the charges.

Hobson arrived at the court in a police van which was met outside the building at about 9.30am by a horde of photographers and cameramen. Inside the court, apart from officials, virtually every seat had been taken by reporters from newspapers, radio and television.

Shortly before 10am, Hobson was ushered into the dock from the court cells by his security escort and confirmed to the bench his name and age. His address was given as New Lane, Selby.

After the charges were read out he sat down to listen to prosecutor Nicholas Ralph ask for a remand in custody.

Defence solicitor Keith Haggerty made no application for bail and the chairman of the bench, Jacki Moorehouse, ordered that Hobson should be remanded in custody to appear at Leeds Crown Court next Friday, August 6.

Hobson was then escorted out of the dock and back to the waiting van. The entire hearing was over in about four minutes.

Hobson was charged with murdering 27-year-old Claire Sanderson on or about July 11 and her twin sister Diane on July 17 at Camblesfroth near Selby.

He was also charged with the murder of elderly pensioners Joan and James Britton on July 18 at Strensall near York.