The husband of Deal woman Mariola Cudworth – who went missing earlier this year – has denied murdering her.

But Jonathon Cudworth, 34, is expected to admit to the manslaughter of wife Mariola between April 27 and May 5 when his trial begins later in the year.

His plea to the lesser charge is unlikely to be acceptable to the Crown Prosecution Service and he will stand trial for murder in December.

Cudworth was dressed in a grey suit, shirt and tie when he appeared in the dock at Canterbury Crown Court on Monday.

After answering to his name, he replied “not guilty” to the single charge that he murdered Mariola Cudworth.

The lawyers and Judge Adele Williams, who will try the case, then discussed details of the forthcoming trial on December 7 which is expected to last between two to three weeks.

Mrs Cudworth - who was also known as Mijka, was reported missing from her home in Northbourne, Deal on Thursday, April 30 and her body was later found in a field near Eastry.

After being remanded in custody, he waved to family and friends, who were in the public gallery, as he was led away to the cells.

The prosecution case will be presented by Philip Bennetts QC, the principal crown advocate at the Crown Prosecution Service, and Cudworth will be defended by Oliver Saxby QC.