A 21-year-old man pleaded not guilty when he appeared before a crown court judge accused of killing an elderly couple.

It is alleged that Brett Clifton murdered Vera Martin, 78, and her 72-year-old husband Terence, at their home in Abbey Street, Faversham, between January 20 and 26 this year.

Clifton was flanked by three prison officers and one dock officer as he denied the two murder charges at Maidstone Crown Court.

Prosecutor Cairns Nelson said during the brief hearing that the trial is expected to last two weeks.

However, despite a date of October 2 being given for the start of the case, Judge Warwick McKinnon warned that it may have to be held at another crown court due to laws concerning the length of time a defendant is remanded in custody.

"The court will make every effort and every enquiry that the case be heard within the custody time limits because that is parliament’s intention," he said. "The onus is on the court to comply."

However, Judge McKinnon added that it was a case that "ought" to be heard at Maidstone.

Clifton, of Becket Street, Faversham, was remanded in custody but will return to court on June 30 for a further directions hearing.