A FINANCIAL consultant accused of murdering his wife pleaded not guilty when he appeared before a crown court judge.

Darren Chittenden entered the plea via a TV link from Elmley Prison, Sheppey, to Maidstone Crown Court.

The 42-year-old is alleged to have killed his wife Zarna, also 42, at the family home in Langney Drive, Ashford, on June 28. Her body was found in the bath.

Remanding Chittenden in custody, Judge Warwick McKinnon set the trial date for May 22 next year.