A teenager accused of killing an elderly man whose body was found at stables where he worked can now be identified for the first time.

An order was made in November banning identification of Michael Johnson because of his then age of 17.

But Judge Philip Statman lifted it at Maidstone Crown Court as Johnson, of Shannon Place, Warden Road, Eastchurch, turned 18 in December.

He is accused of murdering Trevor Hadlow, 70, who was found in his caravan at Capstone Stud Farm in Capstone Road, Gillingham, on November 22.

As well as being charged with the murder two days earlier, Johnson is also accused of stealing a trailer belonging to Vanda Cochrane the same day.

In a separate matter, he is also charged with attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent to traffic warden David Drury on July 8 and dangerous driving in a Vauxhall Omega car in High Street, Eastchurch, the same day.

Johnson has not yet entered pleas but a trial date has been set for April 18. It is expected to last up to four weeks. There will be a further hearing on April 3.

Mr Hadlow’s family said in a statement previously: “Trevor was quite a character, who enjoyed the outdoor life. He was always willing to help out friends and neighbours. He will be missed by many.”

Mr Hadlow had worked at the stables for about eight or nine years and lived in the caravan on the site.