A man accused of a double murder in Canterbury made a brief appearance at Maidstone Crown Court today.

Foster Christian, of Dickens Avenue, Canterbury, was not asked to enter pleas at the request of his lawyer Thomas Copeland.

Christian is accused of murdering mum-of-three Natasha Sadler-Ellis, 40, and her partner Simon Gorecki, 47.

He is also charged with wounding Mrs Ellis's son, Connaugh Harris, 20, and a 16-year-old boy, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

Wearing a bright yellow and green prison suit, the 53-year-old mechanic appeared by video link from Elmley Prison, Sheppey, and spoke only to be identified.

He was arrested after the two alleged murder victims died from knife wounds at his home on March 29.

Naomi Toro, 35, of Keyworth Mews, Canterbury, has been charged with assisting an offender by disposing of a knife.

She appeared before magistrates yesterday and will be in the dock at Maidstone Crown Court on April 29 for a preliminary hearing.

Judge Jeremy Carey said Christian would return to court on June 10 for the adjourned plea and trial preparation hearing.

He said if there was to be a trial it was likely to be on October 4 in front of a High Court judge.

If that were not possible, it would be tried by Judge Philip Statman on September 12.

Christian was remanded in custody.