A MAN originally from Kent appeared in court on Monday charged with the rape and murder of an 89-year-old woman.

Scott Thompson, believed to have previously lived in Dartford, is accused of raping and killing Catherine Grosstephan in Theydon Bois, Essex, less than two weeks ago.

Thompson, 23, now of no fixed address, was remanded in custody when he appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates Court.

The case was adjourned for a preliminary hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on June 6.