TWO Pembrokeshire men have appeared in court to deny murdering serving soldier Kinnon Arrigo Ragni.

Marc Campbell, aged 34, of Goshawk Road, Haverfordwest, and Edward George Davies, aged 31, of Heol Penlan, Stop and Call, Goodwick, appeared at Swansea Crown Court via video link.

Both denied murdering Lance Corporal Ragni, on November 23rd.

Lance Corporal Ragni, who was based at Cawdor Barracks with the 14th Signal Regiment, died at Withybush Hospital following an incident in Friars Lane.

Elwen Evans QC, prosecuting, outlined the progress achieved in the case and Judge John Diehl laid down a timetable for the various stages leading up the trial.

The pair will be in court again on March 30th when Judge Diehl will be updated as to the state of readiness of the prosecution and defence teams.

Judge Diehl told Campbell, who is being held in Swansea prison, and Davies, who is in Cardiff jail, it looked unlikely a trial could start before May.

Lance Corporal Ragni, aged 29, had served with 14th Signals for two-and-a-half years and had completed a tour of duty in Iraq.

Lieutenant Colonel Steve Vickery, L/Cpl Ragni's commanding officer, described him as a fine, charismatic and popular young soldier.