A man accused of murdering Brighton schoolteacher Jane Longhurst has appeared in court.

Graham Coutts, 35, a part-time musician and salesman, of Waterloo Street, Hove, denied a charge of murder at a previous hearing at Lewes Crown Court.

Coutts, who spoke only to confirm his identity during the eight-minute hearing, was remanded in custody.

A trial, expected to last three weeks, is due to start on January 12.

Coutts is accused of murdering Miss Longhurst between March 13 and April 20.

Miss Longhurst, 31, of Shaftesbury Road, Brighton, was a special needs teacher at Uplands School, Hollingdean, Brighton.

Her burning body was found at an RSPB sanctuary at Wiggonholt Common, near Pulborough. She had been strangled.