A husband accused of murder after his wife’s body was discovered in their attic has appeared in the Old Bailey. 

Tia Simmonds, 32, was found dead at their home on Parbury Road on January 3 this year.   

Her husband, 38-year-old Shane Simmonds, appeared at the Old Bailey on Friday (April 12). 

He is charged with her murder as well as two counts of rape in relation to a separate female. 

Simmonds appeared via video link from HMP Pentonville wearing a grey t-shirt with a shaved head and a beard. 

During the brief hearing, Judge Philip Katz KC ordered that Simmonds be produced at court in person next Friday (April 19). 

He will be expected to enter pleas at that hearing. 

A provisional trial date has been set for October 14 this year.