A Margate man is to go on trial in January next year accused of murder.

Jonathan Cottrell, 34, of Athelstan Road appeared at Maidstone Crown Court via video link from prison this morning.

It followed the finding of the body of 47-year-old Karsten Holmes in Dane Road, Margate on July 28.

He was asked by the court clerk: "Are you Jonathan Cottrell?" Dressed in a prison issued track suit, he replied: "That's correct"

Defence barrister Paul Jackson told Judge David Griffith-Jones QC there had been problems with the court CCTV link and he hadn't been able to talk with his client prior to the hearing.

The judge granted him a 25 minute conference with his client.

When they reconvened, Mr Jackson said his client will deny causing the injuries which led to Mr Holmes' death.

Cottrell was remanded into custody until a plea and trial preparation hearing on August 21 when a formal plea will be taken.

The trial - which is expected to take 10 days - is due to begin on January 21 next year.

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