A psychiatric assessment is to be carried out on a man accused of trying to kill his mother.

Patrick Matthews was not asked to enter a plea to attempted murder when he appeared at Maidstone Crown Court by TV link with Elmley Prison today.

Armed police were called to a flat above Traga Launderette in Barming on Tuesday, January 15.

Matthews, of Tonbridge Road, Maidstone, was arrested and his mother Anna Matthews was taken to a London hospital and treated for injuries.

The bearded 41-year-old is also charged with possessing cannabis on the same day.

Eye witnesses said they saw a woman wearing a neck brace being stretchered from a property at the corner of Tonbridge Road and Terminus Road.

During the brief hearing, Matthews spoke only to be identified and to confirm his age and nationality.

Requesting that a full psychiatric assessment be carried out, his lawyer Adrian Rohard said: “It is clear there are issues. It is an unusual case.”

The case was adjourned to April 26, when a fitness to plead hearing could be held.

Judge Philip Statman set a provisional trial date for July 15. Matthews was remanded in custody.