A MAN denied manslaughter charges on Thursday over the deaths of two men in a microlight accident almost two years ago.

John Whelan, 61, of King Edward Road, Romford, is accused of the manslaughter of Terry Stewart and Daniel Attubato in August 2004.

He also denied negligently acting in a manner likely to endanger aircraft between May 10 and August 22, 2004.

Mr Attubato, 35, from Weavering, near Maidstone, was having his first lesson when the microlight, piloted by Mr Stewart, 50, from Orpington, crashed in Eastchurch on the Isle of Sheppey.

Mr Attubato, who was a manager at Howdens Joinery in Gillingham, and Mr Stewart had earlier taken off from Rochester airport.

Maidstone Crown Court heard that the facts of the tragedy were not in dispute but experts would be called to give evidence.

Judge Andrew Patience, QC, set a provisional trial date of December 4. Whelan's bail was continued.