A husband accused of murdering his wife at their home will be tried next year.

James Gumbrell, 64, was not present for a short hearing at Lewes Crown Court this morning.

Gumbrell, of Northbourne Close in Shoreham, is accused of murdering Deborah Gumbrell, 59, on Monday.

Mrs Gumbrell died following a "serious assault" at their semi-detached house in the quiet cul-de-sac, police said.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “Upon arrival, officers found Deborah Gumbrell, 59, unconscious and despite the best efforts of paramedics, she was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.”

The Argus: Debbie Gumbrell, 59, who James Gumbrell is accused of murderingDebbie Gumbrell, 59, who James Gumbrell is accused of murdering (Image: Sussex Police)

Gumbrell appeared at Crawley Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday charged with her murder.

A two-week trial is now expected to start in April next year.

Police are appealing for help from anyone with information which could help them with the investigation.

That information can be reported to police online or by calling 101 quoting Operation Terrace.

Alternatively, information can be passed to police anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.