A PENSIONER has appeared in court this morning (Saturday) accused of stabbing his wife to death.

Hugh Ian Webber, 78, was remanded in custody charged with murder after a two-minute hearing in front of two magistrates sitting at Taunton Crown Court.

Webber stood emotionless in the dock as the charge of murdering Angela Webber at Stag Cottage, in St George's Street, Dunster, on Thursday (October 29) was read to him.

He spoke only to confirm his name and to give his date of birth before being asked his address.

He said: "At the moment I have not got one."

He was not asked to enter a plea to the murder charge.

Balding and bearded Webber, who appeared unsteady on his feet, was flanked in court by two security staff.

He was wearing a grey top and a mask and protective gloves.

Webber was told the case can only be dealt with at a crown court.

He was ordered to appear at Exeter Crown Court for the next hearing on Tuesday (November 3).

The magistrates heard that the Crown Prosecution Service will oppose bail "in due course".

The court was told: "He (Webber) is said to have murdered his wife by stabbing her as she lay in bed."

Mrs Webber, 77, was discovered seriously injured at her home at 3am on Thursday.

Paramedics attended but were unable to save her.

She was a popular member of the community and served on Dunster Parish Council.