A man badly burned in an explosion at a Sittingbourne house appeared in court today.

Alisdair Gray, 38, was expected to enter a plea to the charge of arson with intent to endanger life but the hearing at Maidstone Crown Court was adjourned until December 7 at the request of the defence.

However, a provisional trial date was fixed for June 15 next year.

Gray, who spoke only to confirm his name, is alleged to have caused the blaze in Recreation Way, Kemsley, on April 28.

The blast blew out the outside walls of the house and caused major damage to the adjoining property. Firemen were unable to rescue a dog inside.

Gray, of Minterne Avenue, Sittingbourne, suffered burns to his head and hands and had to be airlifted to hospital by Kent Air Ambulance.

He has since been bailed to an address in Rushenden Road, Queenborough. The court ordered that he must not go within 500 yards of Recreation Way.