TWO people have appeared in court today in connection with the murder of mother of five Pennie Davis.

Benjamin Carr, 22, Edward Road, Southampton, and 28-year-old Samantha Maclean of Beech Crescent, Hythe, were accused of conspiracy to murder.

The dates of the alleged offence are between August 1 and September 3.

Shaun Draycott, defence solicitor made no application for bail for Carr, a scaffolder, who was further remanded into custody.

An application for bail for Maclean, a jobless single parent and mother of five was refused.

Following a 20 minute hearing the judge remanded both defendants into custody.

They will next appear at Winchester Crown Court on November 14.

In announcing the latest development in the investigation, John Montague, Senior District Crown Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service in Wessex, said this morning: "I have authorised Hampshire Constabulary to charge Benjamin Carr, 22, and Samantha Maclean, 28 with conspiracy to murder Penelope Davis, 47, from Blackfield, on September 2.

“Mrs Davis was found killed when she was tending to her horses in a paddock near Leygreen Farm in Beaulieu. Her husband Peter Davis found her dead; she had sustained several stab wounds.

"I carefully reviewed all the available evidence provided to me by Hampshire Constabulary and in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors I am satisfied that there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction.”

He added: "Proceedings are now ongoing and the defendants have the right to a fair trial. It is very important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."

Scores of people are expected to attend Pennie’s funeral at Southampton Crematorium today.