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Folkestone harbour killing: Gerald Philpott charged with manslaughter of Steve Holton

A man has been charged after a grandfather was killed in Folkestone harbour in the summer.

Gerald Philpott is accused of manslaughter after the body of Steve Holton was found near the harbour wall.

But 28-year-old Philpott has been released on bail ahead of a court date next month.

Forensic officers at the scene. Picture: Tony Flashman
Forensic officers at the scene. Picture: Tony Flashman

Mr Holton, 54, was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics after they were called in the early hours.

Seven people were arrested as part of the initial inquiries carried by officers following the incident on August 19.

Philpott, 28, from Folkestone, was arrested two days later and is now due to appear in court next month to face the charges.

He will stand before magistrates on December 20.

Police have described the incident as a "suspicious death".

Emergency services were called at 2.24am to the scene near the Royal George pub in the harbour.

Officers at the scene. Picture: Tony Flashman
Officers at the scene. Picture: Tony Flashman
Tributes left at the scene. Picture: Paul Amos
Tributes left at the scene. Picture: Paul Amos

The other six people arrested were released without charge.

A police spokesman said: "Officers from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate have charged a man in connection with a suspicious death in Folkestone.

"Gerald Philpott, 28, from Folkestone was arrested on Monday 21 August 2017 after the body of 54-year-old Steve Holton was found near Folkestone’s harbour wall on Saturday 19 August 2017.

Forensic officers at the scene. Picture: Tony Flashman
Forensic officers at the scene. Picture: Tony Flashman

"We were called to the area at 2.24am where the victim was pronounced dead at the scene by ambulance staff.

"Mr Philpott has been charged with manslaughter. He was the seventh person to be arrested in connection with the death, the other six people were released without charge."

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