A 54-year-old man accused of shooting dead a fisheries boss made a brief appearance at Maidstone Crown Court today.

Simon Olsen was arrested after former fireman Steve Langley, who ran Bax Farm fisheries lake in Tonge, near Teynham, suffered a fatal gunshot wound to his stomach in nearby Lower Road on Friday.

Olsen, said to be of no fixed address having been evicted from his home, appeared by TV link with Lewes Prison for the preliminary hearing.

His lawyer said it was unfortunate Olsen had been taken to the East Sussex jail instead of Elmley Prison in Sheppey, as it had not been possible to have a conference with him.

No indication of plea was given and a provisional trial date was set for April 22 next year.

A plea and case management hearing will be held on February 12.

No application was made for bail, but Judge Philip Statman said he was bound by law to consider it. Bail was then refused.

Bearded Olsen, who knew 56-year-old Mr Langley, spoke only to be identified and to say he could hear clearly and "Thank you" at the end of the hearing.

Mr Langley built the four fishing lakes at Bax Farm, owned by Oliver Doubleday, and ran a cafe and tackle shop.

Armed police were called to the scene at 2.45pm on Friday. Mr Langley was later pronounced dead at the scene.

He was described as "a much loved father and husband and also a well known member of his local community".

His wife Lucia said: "He was a gentle giant with a heart of gold. He loved his family, who always came first and he would do anything for anybody."

Stories you might have missed

Man accused of grooming and raping girl, 14

Burglars beat man with crowbar in terrifying raid on his home

Lawnmowers and Star Wars droids feature in church's nativity

Missing gran found safe after Mexico flight