A YOUNG woman denied murdering her 50-year-old father when she appeared at Maidstone Crown Court.

Hazel Thomas is accused of killing Stephen Akers at their home in Lorton Close, Gravesend, on October 3. Mr Akers died in Darenth Valley Hospital, Dartford, after suffering a knife wound to the chest.

Thomas will return to court on February 7 when a trial date is to be set. Judge Andrew Patience, QC, continued bail granted by Dartford magistrates.