THE ESTRANGED husband of missing Highworth mum-of-four Linda Razzell has denied her murder.

Glyn Razzell, 43, appeared at Bristol Crown Court where he spoke only to confirm his identity and plead not guilty.

Judge Lester Boothman adjourned the case for a further hearing to be set late next month.

He bailed Razzell on condition he surrender his passport, live and sleep at an address in Crewkerne, observe a curfew between midnight and 7am with doorstep reporting to police and does not enter Wiltshire north of the A303 or Gloucestershire east of the M5.

Razzell, dressed in a grey suit, white shirt and purple tie, applied through his counsel, Peter Henry, to change the curfew's end time to 6am to allow him to travel in search of work.

But the application was denied by the judge, who said the matter could be re-considered if Razzell found a job.

Linda, 42, a part-time learning assistant at Swindon College, vanished on March 19 after dropping off her children at school in Highworth. It is thought that, after the school run, she drove her red Ford Escort to her usual parking place in Alvescot Road, Old Walcot.

The only trace of her since has been the recovery of her mobile telephone from an alley near where her car was found.

Police have carried out extensive inquiries into her disappearance including a reconstruction of her last known journey as well as an underwater search of lakes in Queens Park.

At yesterday's hearing Michael Parroy QC, prosecuting, said scientific evidence is still being processed. He added that a trial would be expected to run for five to six weeks.

Razzell, formerly of Meadow Road, Swindon, has consistently denied foul play.

Anyone who knows Linda's whereabouts is asked to contact police on Swindon 528111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.