Bomb suspect admitted to hospital

Mr Cottingham has been suffering from a chest infection

The trial of a 70-year-old man accused of killing a Kent woman with a parcel bomb 20 years ago has been delayed after he was admitted to hospital.

Keith Cottingham, whose case was due to begin at the Old Bailey on Monday, has denied murdering 53-year-old Barbara Harrold at her Kent home in May 1984.

Mr Cottingham is known to have been suffering from a chest infection.

Jurors, who have been sent home until Thursday, were told he was due to be examined by a senior doctor.

Airgun darts

The recorder of London, Judge Michael Hyam, said: "We will await the result of that examination before we know whether we can continue with the trial."

Mr Cottingham has been in custody at Elmley Prison on Sheppey since his extradition from Spain, where he has a home, in November 2002.

Before moving to Spain in 1981, the retired businessman lived near Sevenoaks in Kent.

He denies any part in the murder of Mrs Harrold, who suffered fatal injuries when a gift-wrapped bomb exploded at her home in The Street, Igtham.

She died three days after the bomb blasted airgun darts and nails into her stomach.