A 21-year-old man accused of murdering an elderly couple at their Kent home made a brief appearance at Maidstone Crown Court today.

Brett Clifton, of Becket Street, Faversham, sat in the dock flanked by three prison officers and a dock officer.

During preliminary matters being discussed, it was revealed that the trial had been put back a day to October 3 and would be presided over by a High Court judge.

Clifton has denied murdering Vera Martin, 78, and her 72-year-old husband Terence at their house in Abbey Street, Faversham, on January 25 this year.

The couple died from multiple injuries. Their bodies were discovered by a family member. Their car was left burnt out a short distance away.

Judge Andrew Patience, QC, said efforts to bring the two-week trial forward at another court had so far been unsuccessful, but added: "We will keep looking." Clifton was remanded in custody.