by Julia Roberts

A Maidstone teenager has denied murdering a 21-year-old in the town in September.

Caleb White, 19, of Cornwall Close, Shepway, pleaded not guilty at Maidstone Crown Court yesterday to the murder of Tom Crittenden (pictured).

Mr Crittenden died from a single stab wound in Nottingham Avenue, off Sutton Road, during the early hours of September 25.

The courtroom was packed with friends and relatives of both families for the brief plea and case management hearing.

White, wearing a blue-striped shirt and jeans, spoke only to answer his name and deny the charge.

His trial is due to start on April 10 and is expected to last three weeks.

Judge Jeremy Carey remanded White in custody.