A former bomb disposal expert appeared at Maidstone Crown Court today accused of attempting to murder his pregnant wife and eight-year-old son in a car explosion.

Nicholas Fabian also faces a charge of possessing 95 rounds of 5.56mm rifle bullets between January 28 and March 5.

The 32-year-old father, of High View, Vigo, near Gravesend, stood in a secure dock, flanked by four prison staff for the brief hearing. He spoke only to be identified.

Mr Justice Akenhead remanded Fabian in custody until June 7, when he will enter pleas to the charges. A provisional trial date was set for August 16.

Fabian's wife Victoria, 32, suffered serious leg injuries in the incident in a car park in the village of Vigo on March 5. Both her son and unborn child escaped unharmed.