A FORMER soldier has admitted he killed the young married couple who lived next door to him in Norton Fitzwarren.

Collin Reeves, 34, has admitted the manslaughter of Stephen and Jennifer Chapple while their two children slept upstairs.

But during a hearing at Winchester Crown Court, he claimed the killings were by reason of diminished responsibility.

Adam Feast QC, prosecuting, told the court the pleas were not acceptable to the Crown and there would be a trial.

Mr and Mrs Chapple, who were both in their 30s, died at their home in Dragon Rise on the evening of November 21 last year.

The bearded defendant, who appeared via videolink from Exeter Prison, spoke only to enter his pleas during a hearing before Mrs Justice Cutts.

Reeves, also of Dragon Rise, was remanded in custody to face trial at Bristol Crown Court on June 8 before Mr Justice Garnham.

The judge told him: “Your trial date, as you know, is for June 8.

"You heard there is more work being undertaken by your defence team and I am sure they will be speaking to you before that date.

“In the meantime you will remain in custody.”