A Lithuanian man appeared at Maidstone Crown Court on Monday accused of murdering his girlfriend.

Tomas Uptas, 32, is alleged to have strangled Loretta Ralipys, 46, at their bedsit at the Ambassador Guest House in Victoria Road, Canterbury, on November 26.

The 32-year-old is also accused of possessing a BB gas gun pistol with intent to cause fear of violence.

He was shot in the arm by police at Morrison’s supermarket in Canterbury, just hours before the body was discovered.

Uptas will return to court on February 22 to enter pleas to the charges. He was remanded in custody.

Judge Andrew Patience QC said a trial would not be held before next August.