A 20-year-old man accused of murdering a woman and then sexually violating her body is expected to stand trial in February.

Ernestas Juska appeared at Maidstone Crown Court today (August 21), having been arrested at the weekend following the death of Nina Denisova.

Ms Denisova, 39, was found by the emergency services at a house in Henderson Drive, Dartford, shortly before 7am on Saturday, August 17.

The Lithuanian national had suffered stab injuries and died at the scene.

Juska, of Henderson Drive, was arrested that same day and faces charges of murder and sexual penetration of a corpse.

He and Ms Denisova were known to each other.

Appearing in court via a video link with Elmley Prison on the Isle of Sheppey, Juska, who is also Lithuanian, spoke simply to confirm his name.

At the start of the brief hearing, prosecutor Kieran Brand told Judge Philip St John-Stevens that Ms Denisova's brother and father were present in the public gallery, with her sibling translating the proceedings for their parent.

This prompted the judge to inform them that even though the court would be discussing procedural matters, it “did not lose sight of their loss in tragic consequences”.

Juska is expected to enter his pleas to the two offences at his next hearing on September 11, with his trial fixed to start on February 3 and last up to three weeks.

No bail application was made on Juska’s behalf and he was remanded back into custody.

However, his lawyer Melanie Krudy told the judge others in prison had learned of why he was on remand, and there were now concerns for his safety “particularly in respect of the second charge”.

Juska is expected to appear at his next hearing in person rather than remotely.

At the time of the alleged murder, the new MP for Dartford, Jim Dickson issued a statement saying: “My thoughts are with the victim and all those affected by this morning’s tragic incident in Temple Hill.

“I would like to thank the police for their swift response and encourage anyone with relevant information to contact them.”

Following the incident, Henderson Drive was taped off between the junctions with Marsh Street and Cavell Crescent while officers carried out their inquiries.