Daniel Appleton in court accused of killing wife and woman, 76

Sussex Police Sandy Seagrave and Amy AppletonSussex Police
Sandy Seagrave and Amy Appleton died from head injuries

A man has appeared in court accused of murdering his wife and another woman.

Teacher Amy Appleton, 32, and Sandy Seagrave, 76, were found dead outside a house in Crawley Down, West Sussex, on 22 December. Both women died from head injuries.

Daniel Appleton, of Hazel Way, Crawley Down, was remanded in custody after appearing at Crawley Magistrates' Court.

The 37-year-old will appear at Lewes Crown Court later this week.

Eddie Mitchell Daniel AppletonEddie Mitchell
Daniel Appleton is accused of murdering his wife Amy and 76-year-old Sandy Seagrave

Ms Appleton, who taught at Copthorne Church of England Junior School, was described by her family as "a rock" who "always thought of others before herself".

Ms Seagrave's family said: "She was one of a kind, an eccentric character who was stubbornly independent, feisty, brave and not afraid of anything."

Eddie Mitchell ForensicsEddie Mitchell
The women were found dead outside a house in Crawley Down
Presentational grey line

Follow BBC South East on Facebook, on Twitter, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].