A 36-year-old Maidstone man accused of murder is expected to claim he acted in self defence.

Lance Colston, from Tonbridge Road, appeared by prison video link at Maidstone Crown Court this morning.

Colston is accused of killing 55-year-old Jason Orwin, who sustained fatal injuries after an incident in Bower Place, Maidstone last Friday.

The defendant spoke just once to confirm his name and his lawyer Chris Wray confirmed there was no application for bail.

No pleas were taken and Colston was remanded in custody.

He is due to reappear again on August 26 to formally enter his plea. Judge David Griffith-Jones QC said any trial, which is expected to last up to eight days, will take place in January next year.

A second man, Oliver Watts, 33, of Tonbridge Road is expected to appear at Maidstone Crown Court after being charged with assault.

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