The man accused of murdering two young jockeys who died in a fire at their North Yorkshire home has been told he faces a ten-day trial next year.

Peter William Brown, of Lyndale Caravan Park, Knottingley, West Yorkshire, is accused of murdering apprentice jockeys Jamie Kyne, 18, of County Galway, Ireland, and Jan Wilson, 19, of Forfar, Scotland, who died after fire broke out at a late-night party in Malton, on September 5. Brown appeared via video link at Leeds Crown Court speaking only to confirm his name and date of birth during the short hearing yesterday.

Prosecutor Richard Mansell, defence barrister Mark McKone and the Recorder of Leeds, Peter Collier, agreed the accused will face a ten-day trial, beginning on April 26 next year.

Brown, 37, was remanded in custody and will next appear at Leeds Crown Court for a plea and case management hearing on February 23, when he will enter his plea.