TIMOTHY Crook has denied murdering his elderly parents at their home in Greenmeadow, eight years after their bodies were discovered in a garden in Lincoln.

The 50-year-old entered pleas of not guilty to two counts of murder via video link from high-security Rampton Hospital, where he has been committed since 2008 following his arrest over concerns about his mental health.

He has not been deemed fit to answer the charges until now, and continues to protest his innocence, saying he was traumatised by the news of the death of his parents, Robert, 82, and Elsie, 76.

At the hearing at Bristol Crown Court yesterday, Mr Crook, dressed in a black suit and tie, listened intently to proceedings and spoke only to deny the charges and confirm he had understood.

He was remanded in custody and will be transferred to Broadmoor hospital for the duration of the trial.

It is alleged he murdered Robert and Elsie between July 6 and July 12, 2007. Their bodies were found, four days after the couple were last seen, on July 11, 2007, at a property in Lincoln, 150 miles from their home.

Judge Neil Ford QC, presiding, set out a timetable for trial, and directed that efforts be made to find the Nissan Micra in which it is alleged the bodies were transported.

“The car in which the bodies were allegedly transported to Lincoln has been lost,” said Sarah Jones, defending.

“That may have forensic consequences in that the defence cannot examine it. I have simply been told the Crown do not know where it is. If the car is not available, it may be useful to have an identical model.”

The defence said they will not be relying on any psychiatric evidence, as Mr Crook maintains he is not unwell.

Andrew Langdon, prosecuting, said: “It is not impossible that we can make efforts to find the original car.”

Despite efforts to find a place for Mr Crook at Fromeside in Bristol, he will have to make a five-hour round trip from Broadmoor so he can be present at the trial.

“The defendant is understandably concerned that five hours’ travel will be difficult for someone under the medication he is under,” added Ms Jones.

“We have made it clear he was traumatised by the discovery of his parents’ death.”

The trial, expected to last around four weeks, will begin on July 6 before a High Court judge sitting in Bristol.

Evidence is expected to be heard from a total of 49 witnesses.