A POLICE officer accused of attempting to murder his wife has appeared at Maidstone Crown Court.

Hugh Needham, who is based in Canterbury, spoke only to confirm that he understood his bail conditions.

The 41-year-old detective constable was not required to enter a plea at the preliminary hearing but Caroline Knight, defending, said: "My instructions are currently not guilty."

Needham was charged after his wife Laura, 36, was taken to Kent and Canterbury Hospital with stab wounds to the abdomen following an incident at the family home in Bridge Down, Bridge, near Canterbury, on May 26.

He has been based at Canterbury for five years and recently passed his sergeant’s exams. He has been suspended from duty.

Judge Andrew Patience QC, adjourned the case until August 9 when a plea will be entered.

Needham at first had a bail address in Peterborough but Miss Knight said he was now staying in Mavis Road in Blackburn, Lancashire.

The latest court appearance was on June 7 but the judge imposed a Contempt of Court order preventing publication of any details. The order was lifted today after objections by the Kentish Gazette newspaper.