A man charged with murdering his partner, a mother of three, in an alleged hammer attack, missed his second court appearance because of issues with technology.

John Barry Garner, 51, of Llys Dewi, Pen-y-Ffordd near Holywell, was due to appear at Mold Crown Court on Tuesday in front of Judge Eleri Rees, via a live television link from Altcourse Prison in Liverpool.

But the Judge, who appeared via a link from Cardiff Crown Court, agreed to proceed in his absence after being told the prison link was not possible.

In any event the defendant was said to be unwell.

Defending barrister Simon Killeen said his client was aware that orders would be made in his case this morning and he was content to later speak to the defendant and explain what had happened.

Garner – who made his first appearance from custody at North East Wales Magistrates’ Court at Mold, on Saturday morning - is charged with murdering Teresa Garner, 46, at their home, on Wednesday, October 24.

A provisional trial date was fixed for May 6 next year.

The judge today agreed a timetable with prosecuting barrister John Philpotts and Mr Killeen.

The prosecution must serve its case by December 11, and the defence must serve its case by February 8.

A formal plea hearing will be held on February 22, when further directions would be given, the judge said.

A post mortem examination revealed that Teresa Garner died of significant head injuries.

Officers were called to the address in Llys Dewi, on Wednesday morning, where the body was discovered in the bathroom.

A post mortem examination revealed she had died from severe blunt force trauma.