A 59-year-old man accused of murdering his former partner, teacher Sally Jessop, made his first appearance at Crown Court today.

During the brief hearing via a TV link with Elmley Prison, Sheppey, and Maidstone Crown Court, Peter Hutchings cupped his ear and complained he could not hear.

Hutchings, of Harcourt Drive, Canterbury, told Judge Andrew Patience, QC: "I have got an impairment in my hearing."

The judge then raised his voice and lawyers also spoke up so that unemployed Hutchings could hear.

Sally Jessop, 48, who taught at Joy Lane Juniors in Whitstable, was found dead at the address in Harcourt Drive on New Year’s Eve.

Hutchings, unemployed, also complained to Judge Patience that he had not been able to read any papers on the case as he did not have his reading glasses.

"I have only been out of hospital for three days," he said. "I haven’t had my glasses since December 31. The police have still got my glasses."

He was remanded in custody until March 17, when he is expected to enter a plea to the charge.

AN UNEMPLOYED man is due to appear for a preliminary hearing at Maidstone Crown Court today charged with the murder of his former partner.

Peter Hutchings, 59, of Harcourt Drive, Canterbury, is accused of the murder of 48-year-old teacher Sally Jessop.

The body of Ms Jessop was found at her former home in Harcourt Drive, at 5pm on New Year's Eve.

She was a year three teacher at Joy Lane Junior School, Whitstable, where she had been for 14 years.