A trial date has been set for the woman accused of murdering her son in Gloucester.

Joy Liddell, 65, of Sandyleaze, is charged with the murder of Michael Liddell, 35.

He died at around 1.10pm last Thusday in Sandyleaze, a residential street in Elmbridge that became the centre of police activity.

Liddell appeared at Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court last week but did not attend this morning's hearing at Bristol Crown Court.

No direction of her plea was given.

Adam Vaitillingham QC appeared for the prosecution during the 10-minute hearing.

He said: "It's a murder charge, as things stand that's unlikely to change."

He added that he couldn't see the trial lasting more than a week.

A date has been set for the trial for July 29 this year.

Liddell is next due to appear in court on March 25 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

Judge William Hart ordered she remain in custody for the time being.