A woman accused of murdering her 11-year-old son has appeared in court.

Jennifer Taylor, 44, looked pale and gaunt as she stood in the dock at Maidstone Crown Court on Monday.

It is alleged she murdered her son, James, earlier this month. His body was found at the family home in Knights Croft, New Ash Green, near Dartford.

After the discovery of James's body on December 2, Taylor was taken to Darent Valley Hospital where she was treated for a suspected overdose.

The court heard she is now being held at the Trevor Gibbens psychiatric unit in Maidstone. She was accompanied in the dock by three members of staff.

Taylor, wearing black trousers and a black sweater, confirmed her name at the start of the brief preliminary hearing.

There was no indication of plea but her trial was fixed to start on June 8.

Taylor was remanded in custody by Judge Jeremy Carey until her next court appearance on March 16.

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