A 61-year-old accused of trying to kill her elderly partner has appeared in court.

Olive Ripley cried in the dock at Maidstone Crown Court during her brief hearing today.

She was arrested and charged with attempted murder after 70-year-old George Sherbourne was stabbed.

However, she was not asked to enter any plea to the offence when she appeared before Judge Adele Williams.

The plea and trial preparation hearing was adjourned until next Wednesday at the request of Ripley's barrister, Philip Sinclair.

Ripley, of Lion Field in Faversham, was remanded in custody until that date, when a bail application will also be made.

Members of her family were in court and she was visibly upset at the start of proceedings and as she was led back to the cells.

Ripley was arrested after the stabbing in Norton on Saturday, November 11.

Mr Sherbourne was treated at King's College Hospital in London.