THE trial of a Monmouthshire man accused of murder is to take place next month.

54-year-old Peter Morgan, of Llanellen Court Farm, Llanellen, appeared in Cardiff Crown Court via video link this morning (10th October) for a pre-trial review hearing.

Property developer Morgan, who denies murdering 25-year-old beautician Georgina Symonds in Usk this January, spoke only to confirm his name ahead of the trial which will begin on 28th November.

An initial trial date was set for 27th June but delays occurred when more time was needed to review documents relating to the case, including a psychiatric report.

Police discovered the body of Ms Symonds when called to Beech Hill Farm in Usk early on 13th January. An inquest opened into the mother-of-one’s death announced a provisional cause of death of ligature pressure to the neck, a form of strangulation that occurs with a cord-like object.

Morgan has been remanded in custody since January.It is expected that the trial will last a number of weeks.