A 20-year-old man accused of murdering a woman and then sexually violating her body has appeared in court.

Ernestas Juska had been expected to enter his pleas to the offences in front of Judge Philip Statman today (September 11).

He is alleged to have murdered 39-year-old Nina Denisova at an address in Henderson Drive, Dartford, shortly before 7am on Saturday, August 17.

She suffered stab injuries and died at the scene.

Juska, of Henderson Drive, was arrested that day and also charged with a second offence of sexual penetration of a corpse.

He and Ms Denisova were known to each other. Both are Lithuanian.

Juska sat impassively in the dock throughout the hearing at Maidstone Crown Court.

Among those in the public gallery were Ms Denisova's father, brother and sister-in-law.

However, no pleas were taken in respect of either offence after defence barrister Ronnie Manek said psychiatric assessment was required.

Prosecutor Daniel Stevenson also informed the court that further pathological investigation was needed to ascertain which actual stab wound caused Ms Denisova's death.

Juska's trial has already been fixed to start on February 3 next year and is estimated to last up to three weeks.

No bail application was made on the young man's behalf and he was remanded back into custody until a further hearing on November 15.

Speaking to the defendant, Judge Statman said: "In the course of the next few weeks, you will be seen by members of the medical profession.

"It goes without saying it is in your best interests to cooperate with them."

Asked by the judge if he understood, Juska simply nodded his head and replied "Yes".