A MAN has denied a murder charge dating back almost 20 years. Keith Cottingham, now aged 71, is facing trial for the murder of Barbara Harrold, of The Street, Ightham, in May 1984.

Mrs Harrold died following an incident involving a parcel bomb at her home. She was 53.

During his brief appearance at Maidstone Crown Court, Mr Cottingham spoke only to confirm his name and to answer “not guilty” when the charge was put to him. Arrangements are in hand for his trial to take place at the Central Criminal Court, probably in September.

Mr Cottingham was extradited from his home in Spain in November, and arrested on a warrant issued by Kent police in June 1986 following a 17-year extradition battle between the Home Office and the Spanish government.

Mr Cottingham was an environmental health officer for Canterbury City Council between 1974 and 1984. He had lived in Alicante for the past 18 years.