Police outside the House on the Hill takeaway in Dartford

A man has appeared at Maidstone Crown Court accused of committing a murder at a Dartford kebab shop.

Eddie Ives, of no fixed address, spoke only to be identified during the brief preliminary hearing.

Prosecutor Ian Acheson said Ben Mahoney, of St Martin’s Road, Newtown, Dartford, died after trouble broke out inside the House on the Hill takeaway in East Hill on Friday night, April 12.

Mr Acheson said 30-year-old Mr Mahoney, who fitted air conditioning, retreated behind the counter into the staff area, where he suffered a fatal punch.

He was rendered unconscious and died in the early hours of Saturday in hospital. A post mortem examination gave the cause as head injuries.

His family described him as a "fun-loving joker who never took himself too seriously."