A FORMER council rat catcher accused of the parcel bomb murder of a Kent housewife nearly 20 years ago may be unfit to stand trial.

Keith Cottingham, 73, is charged with killing 53-year-old Barbara Harrold who died after she opened a package at her home in The Street, Ightham, near Wrotham, in 1984.

At a hearing at the Old Bailey today the court heard Mr Cottingham may be suffering from a form of dementia. A hearing concerning his mental health will be held on December 1.

Until his recent extradition, Mr Cottingham had been living with his family near Benidorm on Spain's Costa Blanca. He is charged with the murder of Mrs Harrold on May 27, 1984.

Mr Cottingham, who is currently being held at Elmley Prison on Sheppey, was not present at today's hearing.