THE trial of a man accused of murdering mum-of-four Samantha Henderson will open tomorrow at Winchester Crown Court.

Dominic Isom, of Halves Cottages in Corfe Castle, denies killing Ms Henderson - with whom he had been in a relationship - on Wednesday, January 21 this year.

Ms Henderson was last seen alive collecting her children from their village primary school.

She then went missing, sparking a huge police search.

Her body was discovered in the lake near Ham Common, Hamworthy, nine days later.

Scores of people had joined the search for the young mum, and her death sent shock waves through the local community.

Officers from neighbouring police forces were drafted in to help Dorset Police with the operation, which continued around the clock and included a number of specialist search teams.

Ms Henderson had two young daughters, aged five and seven, and two sons, aged two and one.

The trial had been due to begin at the court today.

However, for legal reasons, prosecutor Ian Lawrie QC will open the case against Isom tomorrow.

The defendant appeared in the dock this morning wearing a blue t-shirt. A jury will be sworn in today ahead of the case against Isom opening at 10.30am tomorrow.