A trial date has been set for a man accused of the murder of a mother from Cricklewood he met on an online dating site.

Miles Donnelly, 34, is said to have stabbed and strangled Usha Patel, 44, at the flat she shared with her five-year-old autistic son in Melrose Avenue, on October 8.

Today he appeared at the Old Bailey where he did not enter a plea to a charge of murder and an allegation of causing actual bodily harm to Rosie Ferringo.

Donnelly, who is also known as Miles Ryan, appeared via a video link from Wormwood Scrubs prison and spoke only to confirm his identity.

He is due to enter pleas on January 4 and will his two week trial is set to start on February 17.

He has been remanded in custody until then.