A woman appeared in court today charged with the attempted murder of her seriously ill daughter.

Kathleen Gilderdale, 54, known as Kay, was arrested at her home in Stonegate near Heathfield, following the death last December 4 of her daughter Lynn, 31, who had suffered from ME since the age of 14.

During the brief hearing at Brighton Magistrates' Court today she stood in the dock dressed in a grey suit and spoke only to confirm her name, date of birth and address.

She was granted conditional bail to appear at Lewes Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on April 30.

Her defence solicitor, Kim Goodall, described Gilderdale as “someone of immense good character” and said there was no indication of her entering a plea at the hearing.

In a statement after Gilderdale was charged, her family said she retained their “unconditional support”.

Her family said Lynn, who was left paralysed, showed “immense bravery” during her 17 year battle against ME, enduring constant pain and requiring 24-hour care.