SISTERS Charice and Amberstasia Gassman have been given the date for their trial as they remain in custody accused of the murder of Alison Connolly.

The pair appeared at Bristol Crown Court via video link from HMP Eastwood Park this morning, watched on from the public gallery by members of their family.

The elder sister, 23-year-old Amberstasia, wearing a pink tank top, sat with her head in her hands throughout the proceedings while her younger sibling Charice, 19, wearing a black jacket and blue jeans, sat calm and upright.

Both spoke to confirm their names as the future of their case was laid out.

Richard Smith, prosecuting, told the court: "Both these defendants are charged with murder, coming from the same incident.

"The issues, I am informed, in respect of Charice Gassman, are likely to be centred around a loss of control. There is no issue around the identification, and it is that issue which is thought to be central.

"In respect of Amberstasia Gassman, the issue is in respect of joint enterprise and participation. That is helpful in terms of any witnesses who will not be required, because the matter is caught on CCTV.

"I have set out the service of the Crown's case for the last day of July. The defence case is to follow by September 1 thereafter. The plea and case management hearing I would suggest for September 7, with a provisional trial date of November 12."

Alison Connolly, a 49-year-old mum of eight, of Penhill Drive, died after being stabbed in a communal hallway in Evelyn House, by Cavendish Square, on May 12.

Police arrested three women, and a 19-year-old was released on police bail after being held in custody for more than 72 hours.

His Honour Judge Neil Ford, presiding, said the trial would remain in Bristol.

"I will say any prospective witnesses should be notified immediately of the trial date, and I will set the plea and case management hearing for September 7," he said.

"We will have final confirmation of the witnesses position at that hearing. The trial has a two-and-a-half week estimate, which I would have thought is likely to be plenty from what I have been told today."

The defence made no application for an arraignment.

Judge Ford added: "Charice Gassman and Amberstasia Gassman, you will remain in custody and the next hearing in the case will be the plea and case management hearing on September 7."

Both women said 'Thank you,' before the video link was cut.