A homeless man accused of murdering Trevor Hillman at a village church has pleaded not guilty to the offence.

Ruslan Piktorov entered the plea at a brief hearing at Maidstone Crown Court today.

The 40-year-old is accused of murdering Mr Hillman, 57, in October last year at St Peter and St Paul parish church in Church Walk, Headcorn.

Piktorov, originally from Lithuania, spoke through a translator to confirm his name and plea at this morning's hearing, with Mark Wyeth QC, defending, standing by his client for reassurance.

in HolbornHe was arrested on the evening of Wednesday, October 22,, central London, following the discovery of Mr Hillman's body by a member of the public in the church porch earlier that day.

A plasterer and familiar face to many, Mr Hillman had been sleeping rough in the village and surrounding area for most of his life.

It is believed at the time of the incident he was sheltering in the porch due to cold weather.

Judge Jeremy Carey remanded Piktorov in custody at Elmley prison, Eastchurch, with a trial set to start on Monday, April 20 and expected to last a week.

Christopher Tehrani QC will prosecute.

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