A MAN accused of murdering a receptionist at a Travelodge in Bournemouth has appeared in crown court.

Stephen Richard Cole, aged 32, has been charged with the murder of Marta Vento at the hotel in Christchurch Road on December 9, last year.

Cole, whose address was given as Mayles Lane, Knowle, appeared at Winchester Crown Court yesterday for a short preliminary hearing having appeared at Poole Magistrates' Court via video link the previous day.

The defendant has not entered a plea to the allegation.

His next appearance in court is now due to take place on May 4, for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

As reported, Dorset Police was called at 8.01am on December 9, 2020, to a report that a woman had been found deceased at Travelodge.

Ms Vento, 27, was living in Bournemouth and was working as a receptionist at the hotel.