A teenager appeared in court today accused of murdering a middle-aged man who died from a single blow.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be identified, was allowed to sit with his father and three Kent County Council staff instead of having to go into the dock for the brief hearing at Maidstone Crown Court.

He is alleged to have killed the 54-year-old man, who also cannot be identified, in Sackville Road, Dartford, on Saturday, November 19.

Prosecutor Sandip Patel QC said the victim died after an "altercation".

Police were called to the address just before midday on Saturday. The man was pronounced dead at the scene at 12.44pm.

Mr Patel said the teenager, who wept after the hearing, was in the care of the local authority and had to live where directed by officials.

The teenager, who spoke only to confirm his name, was not asked to enter a plea. He will do so at a plea and trial preparation hearing on December 12.

Judge Adele Williams made a condition that he should not enter Dartford or contact any prospective prosecution witnesses.

The judge made an order banning the teenager’s identification at the request of defence lawyer Melanie Krudy.