A man accused of killing a mother and her teenage son at their family home is to be assessed by doctors before he stands trial.

Aaron Barley, aged 24, is accused of murdering Tracey Wilkinson, 50, and her 13-year-old son Pierce, who were stabbed to death at their home on Greyhound Lane, Stourbridge, in March. Tracey's husband Peter, 47, was also stabbed but survived.

Barley appeared at Birmingham Crown Court yesterday as details of his trial, set for October 3, were discussed. Wearing a red t-shirt and jogging bottoms, Barley spoke only to confirm his name and had his head bowed in the dock during the 10-minute hearing.

Peter Wilkinson, sat in the public gallery alongside daughter Lydia, kept his gaze fixed on the accused for much of the proceedings.

Mr Karim Khalil, prosecuting, explained Barley would undergo a psychological assessment before the trial. He has not entered a plea to two counts of murder. Judge Mark Wall said:

"Mr Barley your trial will start on the day it was always earmarked for, October 3, by which time the necessary reports should be available. Until then I remand you in custody."

Mr Wilkinson was well enough to attend his loved ones' funeral in June this year, alongside Lydia.

Speaking at their funeral, Miss Wilkinson said her mother and younger brother had been “as close as a mother and son could be and shared a true bond of love that could never be broken”.

She told mourners at St Mary’s Church in Oldswinford, near Stourbridge, she was “so proud of my happy family”.