A MAN and a woman made their first crown court appearance on charges of attempted murder of a woman found naked in a field near Hambledon.

Kerry Young, 24, and Damian Taylor, 29, appeared at Winchester Crown Court yesterday charged with the near-fatal attack on Vivien Watson on July 26.

Mrs Watson, 43, of Mill End, Southbourne, near Emsworth, suffered serious head injuries in the assault.

Neither defendant was formally asked to plead to the charge but counsel for both defendants said they would plead not guilty.

Young, of Cornwell Close, Gosport, and Taylor, of Trinity Street, Fareham, were both remanded in custody.

There were no applications for bail.

Judge Michael Brodrick adjourned the case for a plea and directions hearing on October 26.