A former bomb disposal expert accused of trying to murder his pregnant wife and her eight-year-old son in a car explosion is unlikely to stand trial before early next year.

Maidstone Crown Court heard today that five witnesses were in the armed forces serving overseas and would not be back in the UK until mid-November.

Judge Andrew Patience QC said Nicholas Fabian’s trial might not, therefore, be before next January. A provisional date had been set for August 16 this year.

He pictured, above, courtesy of Ferrari.

The 32-year-old, of High View, Vigo, was due to enter pleas but the hearing was adjourned until August 16 at the request of his lawyer Guy Dilloway-Parry.

Fabian faces two charges of attempted murder, two of having an explosive substance - "fireworks mixed with propellant" - with intent to endanger life, causing an explosion likely to endanger life and possessing 95 rounds of 5.56mm rifle bullets.

He spoke only to be identified and was remanded in custody.

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

Prosecutor Mr Deepak Kumar Kapur said Mrs Fabian was due to give birth "imminently".