A man denied attempting to murder a teenage girl when he appeared at Maidstone Crown Court today.

Darren Ford also denied an alternative charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

The 42-year-old, of Oaks Dene, Walderslade, Chatham, is alleged to have tried to strangle her on June 22 this year.

Judge Charles Byers remanded Ford in custody until his trial on December 16.