A 44-year-old man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a former Deal man found dead at a house in Ramsgate.

Paul Prendergast, of Margate Road in the town, is accused of killing 34-year-old Cathal Hughes (pictured), who was known as Ivan.

Mr Hughes, who lived in Mayers Road, Walmer, was discovered in the first-floor bedroom of a house in Margate Road early on the morning of Sunday, August 16, with his throat cut.

Prendergast appeared at Maidstone Crown Court on Wednesday September 2 and was was remanded in custody until November 18, when he is expected to enter a plea to the charge.

Judge Andrew Patience QC has set a provisional trial date for April 6 next year.