A man denied murdering his nine-week-old daughter when he appeared at Maidstone Crown Court today.

James Ring, 21, previously of Crabble, Dover, will now stand trial on May 29.

The baby, Aria Ring, was seriously ill when taken to hospital from an address in Crabble on January 7 last year. She was transferred to a London hospital but died two days later.

Ring, who appeared by TV link with Elmley Prison, Sheppey, also denied an alternative charge of manslaughter. He was remanded in custody.

Judge Philip Statman said: "These cases are very complicated indeed."

He warned at a previous hearing about threats being made on social media as he refused a bail application.

“It has been brought to my attention that this is a case that has understandably attracted great public attention,” he said.

“It is absolutely critical that nothing is done which will jeopardise the trial process. There is a presumption of innocence in the manner in which we deal with cases in our courts.

“Should it be there is any interference with the course of justice, and should it be the case there is anything that threatens it on social media, I will have this case presented back before the court.

“The public will understand, I am sure, there are substantial penalties that can be imposed on those who seek in some way to interfere with the course of justice by the issuance of threats by any means.”