A 53-year-old Dover man is suspected of killing himself - the day before he was due to stand trial for historic sex offences.

His body was found in woodland yesterday (Tuesday).

Roger Brown had been speaking with lawyers last week as they prepared for his trial at Canterbury Crown Court.

He was expected to talk with his barrister again last Sunday but calls to his phone went unanswered and he was reported missing by his partner.

A four-hour search involving a helicopter with thermal cameras, police officers and coastguards was launched throughout East Kent after he had last been seen at 11pm on Sunday at his home in Fulbert Road, Dover.

DC Zara Meecham told the judge that hospitals were contacted and houses and cars had been searched together with other buildings near Temple Mead – but without success.

But now a judge at Canterbury Crown Court has heard that Mr Brown's body was found hanging from a tree in woodland at 5pm last night.

DC Meecham told the hearing today that he was formally identified from documents found in his pockets.

He was facing trial on a number of rape and sex charges, some which allegedly happened more than 20 years ago.

Judge Simon James had ruled yesterday, after hearing legal argument, that the trial should go ahead in Mr Brown's absence.

But news of his death was reported before a jury could be sworn in and the case opened.

As the complainant sat in the public gallery, Judge Simon James ruled that the indictment “no longer has any legal effect.”

He added: “It is a sad day for many reasons. The fact of the matter is the law is clear that if somebody dies before the allegations are tried, there is no jurisdiction to determine guilt.

“It is a tragic case for many reasons but a line has to be drawn.”

Outside court Kent Police today confirmed that the body of a 53-year-old man had been found yesterday afternoon in the Long Wood area of Dover, which is off Coombe Road.

A spokesman said: "The next of kin of missing Dover man Roger Brown have been informed.

"The death is not being treated as suspicious and a report will now be prepared for the coroner."