Trial date set for man accused of murdering mother

News imageBBC A police van parked across a road with a road closed sign in placeBBC
Derbyshire Police was called to reports a woman had been found with stab wounds on 21 June

A trial date has been set for a 52-year-old man accused of murdering his mother in a home in Derbyshire.

Joan Hardy, 72, was pronounced dead after being found with stab wounds at a property in The Crest, Linton, near Swadlincote, on 21 June.

On Tuesday, Derbyshire Police said her son, Adrian Hardy, had been charged with murder.

The defendant, of The Crest, Linton, was due to appear at Derby Crown Court for a hearing on Wednesday, but failed to attend. He is due to enter a plea on 9 October and go on trial on 11 January 2027.

News imageDerbyshire Police A picture of Joan Hardy in a green topDerbyshire Police
Police said Joan Hardy's family were being supported by specialist officers

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