THE trial of a man charged with murdering his partner has been adjourned until next year.

Colin Kennedy, 63, is accused of killing Catherine Stewart at her home in Airdrie on July 4, 2021.

Prosecutors claim Kennedy repeatedly struck the 54-year-old on the head and body with a knife.

The murder charge further states he had previously shown "malice and ill will" towards Miss Stewart.

Kennedy previously denied the accusation via his lawyers at a hearing last year.

He had been due to face a trial this week at the High Court in Glasgow.

But, Kennedy's KC John Scullion told a hearing today that certain matters had recently arisen which needed further investigation.

Prosecutor John McElroy KC said he was not opposing a new date being fixed for that to be completed.

Lord Armstrong went on to adjourn the current trial. The case is now set to begin in July 2024.

Kennedy, of Kirkliston, Edinburgh, remains on bail meantime.