THE Llanelli man accused of murdering his 15-year-old step-son has been remanded in custody until March.

Carl Wayne Bowen allegedly stabbed Jamie Yeates to death at their home in Grant Street, Pen-y-Fan, in the early hours of January 8.

A post-mortem examination revealed the teenager had sustained 18 stab wounds to his upper body, magistrates were told last week.

Bowen, aged 42 — known as Wayne — is also accused of attempting to murder Jamie's 18-year-old sister Kimberley, in the incident.

She was taken to hospital with stab wounds to her arm following the alleged attack.

Legal issues in the case were discussed today at Swansea Crown Court when Bowen was brought from custody for a 10-minute preliminary hearing before Judge John Diehl QC.

The Recorder of Swansea was told that proceedings had been transferred following the defendant's appearance before magistrates in Llanelli on January 12.

Bowen is accused of murdering Jamie and faces charges of attempted murder, causing grievous bodily harm with intent and inflicting grievous bodily harm in relation to Kimberley.

During the hearing Bowen spoke only to confirm his identity.

Wearing jeans and a dark T-shirt he sat in the dock with his arms folded while Judge Diehl considered evidential matters with barrister John Hipkin, for the prosecution, and Carmarthen solicitor Andrew Markham, for the defence.

The public gallery was packed with relatives of the defendant and the deceased.

Proceedings were adjourned after Mr Hipkin said the Crown required at least six weeks to prepare documents on the case and serve them on the defence.

The allegations faced by Bowen are due to be formally put to him at a plea and case management hearing on Tuesday, March 17.

Adjourning, the judge told him: "You must remain in custody in the meantime."

Ysgol y Strade pupil Jamie wanted to become a champion jockey and had been due to go to Doncaster Racing College after completing his GCSEs.