A woman has appeared at Maidstone Crown Court accused of three charges of attempted murder following a fire at a house in Canterbury.

Pearl D'Souza - also known as Thomas - is also charged with arson being reckless as to whether life would be endangered.

The 37-year-old was not asked to enter pleas during the hearing conducted by TV link with Bronzefield Prison in Ashford, Surrey, where she is held in custody.

Judge Philip Statman granted permission for D'Souza's legal representation to be transferred from solicitors Haskell's to Family Defence Law and her counsel had not been able to have a conference with her.

A plea and case management hearing will be held on Wednesday, July 30.

Told the earliest date available for a trial was December, the judge said: "This case has got to take priority."

D'Souza and three others suffered burns and smoke inhalation in the blaze at her semi-detached home in Keats Corner on Good Friday, April 18.

Firefighters were called by a member of the public who saw smoke pouring from the building.