A man accused of murder made a brief appearance at Maidstone Crown Court today by TV link from Elmley Prison, Sheppey.

Deke Partridge is alleged to have fatally stabbed 34-year-old Timothy Hutcheon in Dale Street, Chatham, where he lived, on February 4.

Wearing a grey jumper and check shirt, Partridge, 26, of Maidstone Road, Chatham, spoke only to be identified by the clerk.

He will be taken to the court on May 1 to enter a plea to the charge.