A YOUNG man accused of murdering a schoolboy as he walked across a playing field appeared at Maidstone Crown Court.

Lee Cowie, 18, who is charged with killing 16-year-old Michael Chapman, spoke only to be identified by the court clerk.

Michael, of Sheppey Way, Bobbing, suffered fatal injuries as he walked on the upper playing field above Gore Court cricket club, Sittingbourne, not far from where he had earlier been to the Bobbing Apple pub with his brother, David, and their girlfriends.

A police officer later confirmed that Michael died in his girlfriend’s arms.

Cowie, of Beechwood Avenue, Sittingbourne, will return to court on September 11 to enter a plea to the charge. His lawyer indicated it would be not guilty.

Judge Andrew Patience, QC, remanded Cowie in custody.