A MOTHER accused of killing her young son has had her trial delayed until October.

Kelly Tugwell was due to appear at Croydon Crown Court, on June 12, after her case was transferred there from Maidstone Crown Court.

But lawyers for Tugwell, 24, and the prosecution, persuaded a judge the case should stay at Maidstone. That meant the earliest date was October 7.

Tugwell, of Gorse Avenue, Chatham, was originally due to have her trial in November, last year, but it was postponed because she was pregnant and a doctor said she was concerned about the unborn baby.

Judge Warwick McKinnon then arranged to hold the trial at Croydon, but Neil Sandys, prosecuting, said there would be problems in getting witnesses to that court.

Richard Atkinson, defending, said Tugwell would have to travel to Croydon by train every day and her benefits would not cover the cost. Judge McKinnon agreed that the case should remain at Maidstone.

Tugwell denies the manslaughter of Robert Williams, who was aged 19 months when he died on August 1, 2004. She also denies child cruelty.