The 20-year-old man accused of stabbing personal trainer Amie Gray, 34, to death and attempting to kill a second woman, 38, on Bournemouth beach is described as a young man of “good character” as he appears in court ahead of his murder trial.

A 20-year-old man accused of murdering personal trainer Amie Gray and attempting to kill a second woman was described as a young man of “good character” when he appeared in court on Tuesday.

Nasen Saadi, who was arrested in Croydon and was wearing a green and yellow jumper, appeared via video link from prison for the brief hearing at Winchester Crown Court on Tuesday morning.

He is accused of murdering Ms Gray, 34, at Durley Chine Beach, West Undercliff, Promenade, on May 24 and the attempted murder of Leanne Miles, 38, at the same location.

The court heard the defendant was of “good character with no previous convictions”.

Judge Paul Dugdale set a date for the trial to begin on November 25, with a plea and trial preparation hearing on August 23.

He told the defendant: “You are currently in custody on what will ultimately be two charges, one of murder and one of attempted murder.

“The court has set a trial date of November 25 before Ms Justice Cutts and this has an estimated duration of three weeks.

“The next hearing in this case will be on August 23 this year, between now and then there will be a lot of activity in this case.

“The prosecution will be given all the evidence and you will be visited in prison by your lawyers and it is extremely important that you speak to them and give them very clear instructions so that they know what your case is.

“They can only do a good job for you if you give them clear instructions.

“The matter will come back for a new hearing, a PTPH (plea and trial preparation hearing), when you will be charged and asked whether you are guilty or not guilty, and the hearing will take place on August 23 this year.

“Between then and now you will remain in custody.”

Dorset Police received a report at 11.42pm on May 24 that two people had been stabbed on Durley Chine beach.

Mrs Gray, from Poole, died at the scene. Today, her wife Sian attended the proceedings and watched from the public gallery.

Mrs Miles, also from Poole, was taken to hospital after suffering serious injuries and has since been discharged.

Detective Superintendent Richard Dixey, of the Major Crime Squad, said last week: “Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of Amie Gray and the woman who was seriously injured and have been updated with this latest development in our investigation.

Mrs Gray’s wife Sian Gray paid an emotional tribute to her husband on Wednesday, saying: “Words cannot describe the pain we feel. Amie was the most loving wife and mother.

“Her giggle and big smile will be hard to miss. A larger than life character. I will miss you so much my love. To the moon and back, forever and ever.

Ms Gray’s mother Sharon Macklin called her daughter “beautiful inside and out”.

She said: “As a family we are devastated to have lost one of the most amazing, funny, kind and energetic souls.”

Sian and the couple’s daughter paid tribute to Mrs Gray by sprinkling rose petals into the sea at sunset, while looking up at the sky and telling her they loved her.

Sian said: “Sunsets will always remind us of you, Amie Gray. Beloved wife and mother forever.’

Flowers have been laid in tribute to the mother on the other side of the mile-long police cordon that stretches to Bournemouth Pier.

Ms Gray was the ladies’ head coach for Dorset Futsal Club, where members said they “can’t put it into words at the moment”.

The club’s profile picture has been changed to a black square. A photo posted by one of Ms Gray’s relatives showed her with an award she received for her work with the club.

“Sometimes you meet a person in life who just fits in, makes you feel seen and will always support you,” read a club tribute.

“Amie was that person, loved by all and will be truly missed.”