A TEENAGER stabbed to death in an alleged attack by his stepfather had 18 wounds to his upper body, a court heard today.

Forty-two-year-old Karl Wayne Bowen, of Grant Street, Llanelli, faced four charges at the town's magistrate court this morning including the murder of his stepson, 15-year-old Jamie Yeates.

He also stood accused of attempted murder, inflicting grievous bodily harm and the unlawful wounding of step-daughter Kimberley Yeates.

Bowen, who has been in police custody since the incident in the early hours of Thursday morning, spoke only to confirm his name and address.

Prosecutor Peter Lloyd said: "The victim is Jamie Yeates, the 15-year-old stepson of the defendant.

"He died as a consequence of 18 stab wounds to his upper body."

Bowen closed his eyes and shook visibly in the dock as the prosecution outlined its case.

Presiding magistrate Allan Evans said: "Mr Bowen, the charges against you cannot go ahead today. As you have heard, this case can only be heard at the Crown Court. Your case will be listed at Swansea Crown Court on January 20 — until then you are remanded in custody."

Tributes have been paid to Jamie, a pupil at Ysgol y Strade, who dreamed of becoming a champion jockey and was due to go to Doncaster Racing College after completing his GCSEs.

Outside court, family friend and mother-of-three Jackie Lewis, aged 33, said: "Jamie was a lovely kid. He was quiet, but ambitious about becoming a jockey. It's a big shock for the community.

"My children used to play with Jamie in the street, so they have taken it badly.

"All we can do is try to be there for the family."