The trial of a man accused of murdering a 74-year-old woman in an Exeter country park has been delayed until next year.

Cameron Davis, aged 30, of Exeter Road, Exmouth, refused to attend Exeter Crown Court where Judge Mr Justice Saini heard the case in his absence.

Davis is accused murdering pensioner Lorna England who died from stab wounds after allegedly being attacked in Ludwell Valley Park, Exeter, on the afternoon of Saturday, February 18 this year.

She lived in nearby Southbrook Road and is not thought to have known Davis before the incident.

The Judge set aside the original trial date of November 6 this year and set a new one of May 28, 2024, which allows time for further psychiatric and psychological evidence to he obtained.

He extended time limits until after the start of the trial and said the trial date could be brought forward if it can be heard at either Plymouth or Bristol Crown Court before May next year.

He remanded Davis in custody and set a date of February 9 next year for a pre-trial review hearing at Exeter Crown Court.

Mrs England’s family were sat in the public gallery and the Judge apologised to them for the delay in the trial.