A 59-year-old man accused of murdering school teacher Sally Jessop is not expected to stand trial until October.

The case against Peter Hutchings was due to start on June 19 but has now had to be postponed for more than three months.

Judge Warwick McKinnon, sitting at Maidstone Crown Court, told prosecuting counsel Eleanor Laws and defence counsel Richard Scott, that the court could no longer "accommodate" the trial, which is expected to last two to three weeks, in June.

He said enquiries had been made with Woolwich and Lewes crown courts and the Old Bailey but all were unable to take the case.

Hutchings, of Harcourt Drive, Canterbury, is alleged to have killed his 48-year-old former partner, who taught at Joy Lane Juniors at Whitstable, at their home on New Year’s Eve.

He was not in court for Friday's hearing but Mr Scott said the defence team was "content" with the delay. Hutchings is currently on remand at Elmley Prison, Sheppey.

At present, the trial is expected to hear evidence from 33 witnesses.