A MAN accused of murdering his mother at the home they shared near Taunton will face a trial in the summer.

Alexander McDonald, 27, appeared at Exeter Crown Court this morning, where he was expected to enter a plea to the charge that he killed his mother Catherine at their home in Hilly Park, Norton Fitzwarren, on September 30 last year.

However, the case was adjourned without a plea, at the request of defence barrister Adam Vaitilingam QC.

Judge Francis Gilbert QC remanded Mr McDonald in custody and set a trial date of June 15.

The case is due to be heard at Exeter by a High Court judge and is currently listed to last up to ten days.

Post mortem tests showed that Mrs McDonald, who worked in a nursing home, died as a result of stabbing and asphyxiation.

Mr McDonald, who worked at a restaurant in Taunton, has been in custody since his arrest.