A plea by a husband accused of murdering his teenage wife on Christmas Day has been delayed.

Mohammad Qoraishi, 27, was due to enter the plea at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday.

But the hearing was adjourned to February 22 after Judge David Griffith-Jones QC was told by his lawyer a psychiatric report had not yet been prepared.

The body of 19-year-old Parwin Quriashi was found at their flat at Kentish Court, off London Road in Maidstone, shortly before 1.20pm.

Other residents have expressed shock at the death of the former Maplesden Noakes School pupil in a neighbourhood described as "peaceful".

A trial date has been set for June 3.

Head teacher Richard Owen said everyone at Maplesden Noakes was "shocked and saddened" by the news.

"Parwin was a lovely, engaging and intelligent student who was looking forward to an exciting future," he said.

"The staff who taught and supported Parwin are extremely upset. Our hearts go out to her family.

"Parwin will always be remembered by everyone who came into contact with her at the school and we are struggling to comprehend that she has been the victim of such tragic circumstances."

Qoraishi has been remanded in custody and was not present for the brief hearing.

An inquest revealed Mrs Quriashi died after suffering "multiple stab wounds".