The trial of a man accused of murdering High Wycombe student Libby Squire has been adjourned until next year due to the Covid-19 crisis.

Pawel Relowicz made a brief appearance at Sheffield Crown Court on Wednesday, where a judge fixed his trial date for January 11, 2021.

The 25-year-old had been due to stand trial next month but Judge Jeremy Richardson QC, the Honorary Recorder of Sheffield, said the delay was necessary to avoid further adjournments.

Relowicz was charged by Humberside Police with raping and murdering Hull University student Miss Squire, whose family home is in High Wycombe, in October last year.

The defendant is alleged to have murdered her on February 1, and to have committed the rape between January 31 and February 1.

Relowicz appeared via video-link for a short hearing with the assistance of a Polish interpreter.

On Wednesday, Judge Richardson QC told Relowicz: "Because of the Covid-19 crisis, your trial in June must be adjourned.

"It has been adjourned to Monday, January 11, 2021.

"I am sorry it is such a long way away but it has to be because this is a serious matter.

"If I have it any earlier then there is a risk it would have to be further adjourned."

Miss Squire, 21, disappeared near her home in Hull, where she was studying philosophy, in the early hours of February 1, prompting a huge search.

Hundreds of uniformed officers took part in the operation, as well as search specialists, dog-handlers and police divers.

The body of Miss Squire was sadly recovered from the Humber Estuary on March 20, nearly seven weeks after she disappeared following an evening out with friends.

Relowicz was remanded in custody and was told by the judge that he will appear again via video-link for a pre-trial hearing on November 30.