THE trial of a man accused of the parcel bomb murder of a wealthy housewife 20 years ago has been delayed because he has been admitted to hospital.

Keith Cottingham, 70, allegedly killed Barbara Harrold, 55, at her home in The Street, Ightham, near Sevenoaks, in 1984 when she opened a package that blasted darts and nails into her stomach.

The trial was due to start at the Old Bailey today following Mr Cottingham’s extradition from Spain and a lengthy legal argument.

It has now been postponed while the defendant undergoes medical tests.

Judge Michael Hyam, the Recorder of London, has asked the jury to return on Thursday when he will announce if and how the trial will proceed. Mr Cottingham denies the murder.