An inquest has heard how a town centre landlord died from a stab wound.

Matthew Bryant passed away last Monday after an incident at the Hare and Hounds in Lower Boxley Road, Maidstone.

An inquest opened at County Hall earlier today into the Gravesend-born man’s death and heard how at around 6pm the 52-year-old suffered a stab wound to the torso.

The inquest was then suspended pending further criminal investigation.

On Friday, Stephanie Langley, of Wilsons Lane, East Farleigh, appeared at Maidstone Crown Court accused of murder.

Dressed in a black dress and white top, she spoke only to confirm her name during the 15-minute hearing.

She was also charged with one count of possessing a knife in a public place.

Judge Philip Statman ruled a two-week trial will begin at Maidstone Crown Court on April 8.

Langley, 54, has been remanded in custody until November 10 when she is expected to enter pleas.

Last week Caroline Bryant spoke about how “heartbroken” she was following her partner’s death.

She opened the pub just two days after the fatal stabbing as a place for Mr Bryant’s friends, family and pub regulars to celebrate his memory.

Floral tributes were left outside the pub.