A primary school teacher accused of stabbing her boyfriend to death has had her murder trial delayed.

Fiona Beal, 48, is accused of killing her long-term partner Nick Billingham, 42, between October 30 and November 10 last year.

The builder was found in the garden of their terraced property in Northampton in March - almost five months after his death.

Forensic officers and specialist search teams, including a cadaver dog, were deployed and Mr Billingham's body was discovered after four days of digging.

A post mortem examination has since revealed he died as a result of being stabbed in the neck.

Beal was arrested at a hotel in Windermere - 200 miles away from the scene - just hours before the body was found.

She was later charged with murder and had been due to stand trial at Northampton Crown Court today having denied the charge.

But following a further case management hearing the trial was pushed back for at least another three months due to new evidence coming to light.

Beal spoke only to confirm her name, age and address during the short 13 minute hearing and was remanded in custody.

Her Honour Judge Adrienne Lucking told her "Fiona Beal can you remain seated throughout the matters that I'm about to deal with.

"First of all the application is to adjourn the trial date. I am entirely satisfied that both the prosecution and defence are not ready for trial at this stage, no blame is to be attached to either side.

"It is important that these matters are properly tried and that the cases are ready for the coming trial. For the reason I will adjourn the trial.

"A new date will be allocated within the next 14 days.

"No one could have accurately predicted the nature of the issues that have now risen in this case, it would be therefore in my judgement be unrealistic to expect steps to be taken to ensure this trial will proceed in this custody time limit."

Peter Joyce, prosecuting, told the court that extra time will be needed to prepare the case as further phone and computer evidence had been obtained.

Beal had taught at Eastfield Academy in Northampton before her arrest and has since been sacked.

Tributes have previously been paid to Mr Billingham by his devastated family in a statement issued via police.

They said: "Nick has been taken from us far too early and will always be in our hearts.

"We've been overwhelmed with offers of kind support, and words of comfort from so many beautiful people, and know that he will be sadly missed by all his friends, family and loved ones.

"Our heart aches for Nick. He was a gorgeous little boy, and we have so many cherished memories of him growing up and were so proud of the man he became.

"He just got on with life, which has now been tragically cut short.

"Rest in peace Nick. Until we meet again, sleep tight and remember all the good times we had together. We will love you always and forever."