Man remanded over murder of partner and daughter

A man was remanded in custody today charged with the murder of his partner and their 10-month-old daughter.

The bodies of Stephanie Bellinger, 24, and baby Lili were discovered at their home in Myrtle Avenue, Totton, Hampshire, by a relative on Saturday morning. They had been stabbed.

Unemployed pub worker Anthony Marsh, 21, from Totton, spoke only confirm his name, address and date of birth during the five-minute hearing.

Flanked by security guards, Marsh did not enter a plea to the two counts, which he confirmed he understood, and there was no application for bail.

Magistrates adjourned the case and remanded Marsh in custody until a preliminary appearance at Winchester Crown Court on March 9.

Marsh, who had his right arm in a strap and was wearing a black T-shirt, was then led from the dock.

A post-mortem examination found receptionist Miss Bellinger died from multiple stab wounds while Lili died as a result of a stab wound.

Marsh was arrested in Fareham, Hampshire, on Monday morning - 20 miles from where the bodies were found.

Miss Bellinger's family released a statement through police, which read: "Stephanie was a fun-loving free spirit who was always happy and smiling.

"Stephanie was a wonderful daughter, sister, aunt and mother."

It went on: "Lili was a bouncing, happy little baby who was a delight to be with, a little chatterbox who brought joy to our lives.

"There are no words to describe how we, as a family, are all feeling.

"We now have a huge hole in our lives which we have to try and come to terms with."