A former teacher today appeared in court for the first time charged with murdering her three-year-old daughter by drowning her.

Claire Colebourn, 36, allegedly killed her young daughter, Bethan, by drowning her at their £400,000 home in Fordingbridge, Hants.

Bethan was pronounced dead at Salisbury District Hospital, Wilts, after emergency services rushed to the converted bungalow on the evening of October 19 last year.

Former science teacher Colebourn, who offered private tutoring from her home, appeared at Winchester Crown Court, Hants, today charged with murdering her young daughter.

The brunette, who is married to Michael Colebourn, chief executive officer of luxury marine interior company Trimline, wore a white speckled shirt, black trousers and her hair down as she spoke only to confirm her name and date of birth.

Judge Keith Cutler remanded Colebourn, now living in Littlemore, Oxford, into custody and she will next appear at court on July 26 for a short hearing.

Judge Cutler said to Colebourn: “I will remand you into custody.

“There is still some work to be done, lawyers are working hard for this case. I will see you again at this court in July.”

He said during the hearing that Colebourn faces a ‘very serious charge’ which may require a high court judge should it go to trial.

Yesterday a spokesman from Hampshire Constabulary confirmed Bethan, who had blonde hair and blue eyes, died from drowning.

He said: “A spokesman from the force said: "We are now in a position to confirm the cause of death of a three-year-old girl from Fordingbridge.

"Officers were called to a house in Whitsbury Road on 19 October, 2017. Bethan Colebourn was taken to Salisbury District Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

"The cause of death has been confirmed as drowning.

"Claire Colebourn, aged 36, of Sandford Road, Littlemore, Oxford will appear at Winchester Crown Court to face a murder indictment on 25 April."

Emergency services had rushed Bethan from their detached red brick home to hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

Bethan's 37-year-old father, Mr Colebourn, chief executive officer of Trimline, based in Southampton, Hants, was left heartbroken.

A tribute from her family at the time said: "Family and friends are devastated at our tragic loss.

“Bethan brought so much happiness and joy to so many people’s lives.

“Bethan was a fun loving, adventurous and caring young girl who will be dearly missed.

“She will be in our hearts and minds forever.”