The heartbroken father of 23-month-old twins who were allegedly killed by their mother attended court today for a further hearing.

Samantha Ford was not required to be at Maidstone Crown Court for the brief "directions" hearing.

But her 35-year-old Steven sat in the public gallery listening to lawyers detailing the progress of the case.

Judge David Griffith-Jones QC was told Ford, 37, had been transferred from Bronzefield Prison in Ashford, Surrey, to the secure Trevor Gibbens Unit at Maidstone Hospital.

She faces two charges of murdering Jake and Chloe Ford on Thursday, December 27.

She failed to attend a previous hearing on December 31 by TV link from the prison and was due to enter pleas today. That will now happen at a later date.

The trial before a High Court judge has been set for June 24.

Police were called to the mother’s home in Castle Drive in Margate at 3.35am.

The twins were declared dead at the QEQM Hospital in the town.

The cause of death has not been yet given and prosecutor Edward Brown QC said full pathology reports would not be available until May 1.

Ford’s Ford Galaxy car was earlier on December 27 in collision with a lorry on the A299 Thanet Way between Whitstable and Herne Bay.

She was treated in hospital for minor injuries.

The judge was told at the previous hearing that there were mental health concerns and a psychiatric report was awaited.

“I am troubled that no medical evidence is in prospect until the end of April,” he said at the latest hearing.

Ford’s QC Brenda Campbell said: “We understand the issues are not straightforward. At the moment, very little is known about what happened on December 26/27. We are acting in very difficult circumstances.”

A further hearing will be held on May 17.

Mr Ford tweeted after the tragedy: "Daddy's twins xxx my beautiful babies. I love you."

In a later tweet he said: "I want the world to see my beautiful babies. Jake and Chloe forever xxx."

Mr Ford, from Charing, tweeted on January 25: "Daddy's twins are two today. Today is your birthday and will always be, a day to be thankful for our memories, a day I can celebrate all of the times we had together, a day that's yours and mine forever.

"Happy birthday Chloe x Happy birthday Jake x."