A woman has appeared at Maidstone Crown Court accused of murder after the body of 69-year-old John Birney was discovered in Rocky Hill Terrace, Maidstone.

Allison Tomlin, who was wearing a grey sweatshirt and jogging bottoms, spoke only to confirm her name.

The 48-year-old, of no fixed address, appeared before Judge Jeremy Carey for the brief hearing.

No application for bail was made and she was remanded in custody until her next appearance at Maidstone Crown Court on September 14 when she is expected to enter a plea.

Her trial has been set to start on December 7.