Yeates family plan funeral

THE family of Joanna Yeates can begin to plan her funeral after her body was released.

A postmortem examination was carried out last week on behalf of Vincent Tabak by a pathologist, Bristol Crown Court was told.

Michael Fitton QC, representing Tabak, told the preliminary hearing that Dr Nat Carey conducted the examination last Wednesday.

“With his consent we have consented to the release of the body of the deceased,” Fitton told the court.

Tabak, who appeared in court via videolink from HMP Long Lartin in Worcestershire, spoke only briefly during the 15 minute hearing.

A provisional trial date was fixed for October 4 and a plea and case management hearing will take place on May 4.

No bail application was made and Tabak — Yeates’s next-door neighbour — was remanded into custody.