A murder trial has been postponed for eight months due to a cyber attack.

Michael Bryant, 35, is accused of murdering wheelchair-bound neighbour, Alan Wyatt, in Gillingham on February 14.

But now the case has been delayed to allow the prosecution - led by Oliver Saxby QC - to carry out more investigations.

It follows papers submitted by Bryant's legal team outlining his proposed defence.

Bryant, also known as Bryant-McMurchie, of Firethorn Close, appeared in the dock in Maidstone Crown Court and confirmed his name.

The killing of Alan Wyatt, a 68-year-old amputee, is alleged to have happened shortly before a fire broke out at a flat in Gillingham.

Mr Wyatt’s body was discovered in Firethorn Close, The Vineries, Gillingham, on Thursday, February 14, at about 10.30am.

Mr Saxby QC, appeared by video link from Birmingham Crown Court, to arrange a new date for the trial on March 9 2020.

He explained that part of the delay was due to the cyber-attack on Eurofins Scientific, the UK's biggest provider of forensic services, which had resulted in a shutdown.

Eurofins was infected with a ransomware computer virus a month ago, which led British police to suspend work with the global testing company.

At the time, the firm described the attack as "highly sophisticated".

Judge Adele Williams, who will be presiding over the month-long murder trial, agreed to change the start until next year.

Bryant has been remanded into custody.

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