A man accused of fracturing a shopkeeper's skull during an alleged robbery in Dover will stand trial in April.

Kurt Collins, 34, appeared at Canterbury Crown Court this week and pleaded not guilty to robbing Nimalnithy Poolingham of goods worth £11.57 and causing him grievous bodily harm with intent.

The offences are said to have occurred at the Thenu Convenience Store in Snargate Street at about 9pm on September 16.

Mr Poolingham, believed to be in his 40s, was taken to a London hospital with serious injuries.

Collins, of Townsend Close, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, was told by Judge Simon James that his trial will start on April 15 and is expected to last up to five days.

The building contractor, who has admitted damaging a glass door during the same incident, was remanded in custody after an application for bail was refused.