MARK Hobson, the man accused of two double murders in Selby and York, today made his second court appearance.

In an eight-minute preliminary hearing at Leeds Crown Court the case against the 34-year-old former binman was adjourned until December 10.

Shaven- headed Hobson appeared just after 10am flanked in the dock by six security guards. He was clean-shaven and wore a dark suit, dark tie and lilac shirt.

Hobson spoke only to confirm his name.

No application for bail was made and Hobson was remanded in custody by the Recorder of Leeds, Judge Norman Jones, QC, until December 10 at Leeds Crown Court for a plea and directions hearing.

The court heard the prosecution counsel, led by Paul Worsley QC, have until mid-November to serve primary evidence cases to the court.

The judge decided not to set a trial date.

Hobson was accused of killing his girlfriend, Claire Sanderson, and her sister, Diane, along with pensioners James and Joan Britton.

The bodies of the 27-year-old Sanderson twins were found in a flat in Camblesforth, near Selby, on Sunday, July 18.

Just a few hours later, retired railway surveyor Mr Britton, 80, and his 82-year-old wife were discovered dead in their large detached home at Strensall, near York.

Hobson, of New Lane, Selby, was arrested in Shipton-by-Beningbrough, a week after the killings.

He was charged with two double murders on July 29, and appeared before Harrogate magistrates a day later.

Updated: 14:13 Friday, August 06, 2004