A man appeared at Maidstone Crown Court today accused of murdering a 32-year-old Chatham woman.

Marcus Coates, of Ernest Road, Chatham, is alleged to have strangled Jennie Banner, whose body was found at her home in High Street last Friday, August 19.

Coates, 43, was remanded in custody until November 4, when he is due to enter a plea to the charge.

Judge Philip Statman set a provisional trial date for January 23 next year.