A man has appeared in court charged with murdering his wife in what prosecutors have called a "failed suicide pact".

Michael Packman, 66, appeared at Medway Magistrates' Court today following the death of his 64-year-old wife at their home in Hurst Lane, Kemsley, near Sittingbourne.

The court heard how Stephanie Packman had been living in a care home, suffering from dementia, and that care home workers had become concerned after Mr Packman took her away from the home.

The prosecution said authorities then visited his address and found Mrs Packman with a large knife wound to her neck.

Mr Packman was discovered with a knife "embedded in his abdomen".

He is alleged to have killed her between Tuesday, July 31 and Wednesday, August 1.

A suicide note was found nearby, and the prosecution summed up the case as a "suicide pact that hasn't come to fruition" adding "he told paramedics he didn't want to be here, he wanted to be with his wife".

Packman spoke only to confirm his name, age and address.

He was remanded in custody after the case was adjourned until a hearing at Maidstone Crown Court on Wednesday.