THREE men denied conspiracy to murder a heavily pregnant woman when they appeared at Maidstone Crown Court.

David Cullinane, husband of the dead woman Soumia Es Semryry Cullinane, Michael Stapley and Gordon Hoppie also pleaded not guilty to obstructing a coroner by burying the body and preventing the holding an inquest between March 14 and 17.

The body of Morocco-born Mrs Cullinane, 27, was discovered in undergrowth on Forestry Commission land at Dene Park, Shipbourne, near Tonbridge, on March 16.

The conspiracy charge covers the dates October 1 last year and March 17.

Mr Cullinane, 34, of Rectory Close, Colchester, Mr Stapley, 21, of Turner Road, Tonbridge, and Mr Hoppie, 40, of Hadlow Road, Tonbridge, will stand trial on January 14 next year.

All three were remanded in custody. A further hearing will be held on October 4.