A geologist whose wife is suspected of his murder died from stab wounds to the chest, an inquest heard.

James Rickards had not been seen by his family for weeks before human remains were discovered at his home in St Martin’s Road, Canterbury.

The 65-year-old was found at the terraced house on July 11.

His wife Maureen, 50, was later arrested and charged with murder before appearing in court earlier this month.

An inquest into the death of Mr Rickards – who was also known as Jeremy – opened at Oakwood House in Maidstone today.

Reading on behalf of senior coroner for northwest Kent Roger Hatch, an usher told the hearing: “James Rickards was a geologist.

“He was found having died on July 11 at St Martin’s Road, Canterbury.

“The cause of death is stab wounds to the chest pending further tests.

“The matter has now been opened and pending further investigation has been adjourned until further notice.”

The inquest opening was originally scheduled for Monday but was pushed back to today.

A full hearing will take place at a date yet to be confirmed.

Mr Rickards’ LinkedIn profile reveals he has been a geologist for 35 years, with experience in exploration for gold, base metals and diamonds.

He also mined for copper, diamonds and gold throughout Africa and the Middle East.

His most recent employment was as a senior exploration geologist at Rickards Consulting, which he started in November last year.

Mr Rickards had been reported missing on Friday, July 5, with his family telling police they had not seen him since the start of June.

His wife is alleged to have murdered him between July 7 and 11 – the day the remains were discovered at their home.

During a brief hearing at Maidstone Crown Court on July 17, Rickards appeared via video and had yet to enter a plea.

But a potential trial date had been identified for December 9 or 10 this year and would be expected to last two weeks.

Mr Rickards’ murder investigation is being carried out by detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate.

Pictures taken at the scene in Canterbury following the grim discovery showed three houses cordoned off with police tape, including number 32 – the address given by Rickards at court earlier this month.

Shortly after human remains were found, residents reacted to their street, which is home to many families and students, being turned into a crime scene, with a large presence of police and forensics officers.

One neighbour, 21-year-old university student Katie Dolbear said: “It was a complete shock. We didn’t know what was going on. We just saw loads of vans pull up.

“It was quite worrying. We were a bit scared and concerned about what was going on. We double-locked the doors.

“It’s not something you expect to have on this road, especially. There’s lots of families on this road and students.”

Another student who lives in St Martin’s Road, 21-year-old Matthew Carney, said: “It’s pretty shocking. I wouldn’t have thought it would have been happening a few doors down from your doorstep.”