A MAN has been remanded in custody accused of the murder of a woman who disappeared a decade ago.

Darren Osment appeared before Bristol Magistrates’ Court this morning (Thursday, August 4) accused of murdering 32-year-old Claire Holland.

Osment, 40, was shaven headed and wore a grey tracksuit.

He spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address during the short hearing.

District Judge Lynne Matthews said he was accused of murdering Ms Holland on a date between June 5 and June 8 2012.

“This case is to go to the crown court and there will be a hearing tomorrow. You will be remanded into custody,” she said.

“This court has no power in any event to grant bail as I am sure you have been told by your lawyer.”

The judge remanded Osment, of Chessel Drive, Patchway, South Gloucestershire into custody and he will next appear at Bristol Crown Court tomorrow (Friday, August 5).

Members of Ms Holland’s family attended the hearing accompanied by officers from Avon and Somerset Police.

Ms Holland was last seen leaving city-centre pub Seamus O’Donnell’s at 11.15pm on June 6, 2012, the day after the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee weekend.

She was reported missing a few days later, and has not been seen or heard from since despite several mass searches and appeals for information.