PCs Neil Bowdery, left, and Maurice Leigh at Maidstone Crown Court over the death of Colin Holt. Pictures: Mike Gunnill

Two Medway police officers accused over the death of a mentally ill man will stand trial at Maidstone Crown Court in April.

Maurice Leigh (pictured above right) and Neil Bowdery (above left) are charged with wilfully neglecting to perform their duty while holding a position of public office.

It follows the death two years ago of Colin Holt, 52, at his Gillingham home of positional asphyxia, which occurs when someone’s position prevents them from breathing, while being detained.

Leigh, 54, and 29-year-old Bowdery are expected to enter pleas on the first day of the trial on April 8. They have been granted unconditional bail.

Leigh, of either Dane Close or Kestrel Road, Chatham, and Bowdery, of Goldstone Walk, Chatham, have been suspended from duty.

Mr Mr Holt had been sectioned under the Mental Health Act, but left Medway Maritime Hospital.

Officers went to his flat at Harbledown Manor, Goudhurst Road, Twydall (pictured) in August 2010 to take him back.