A homeless man has denied murdering his cousin in Gravesend.

Travis Smith, 24, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Danny Wallis when he appeared at Maidstone Crown Court today.

It is alleged Mr Wallis, described by relatives as a gentle giant, was killed between May 29 and June 1.

The 29-year-old was found dead at his flat in Gravesham Court, Clarence Row.

Smith looked ashen-faced in the dock as he spoke to confirm his name, to enter his plea and to thank the judge at the end of the hearing.

Judge Philip Statman was told that relatives of Mr Wallis were in court, as well as Smith's mother.

He told them that he would arrange for prosecutor Philip Bennetts QC to speak to them in a private room after the hearing and to explain the proceedings.

A trial date of November 23 was fixed at an earlier hearing and is expected to last up to three weeks.

Judge Statman, who will preside over the trial, remanded Smith in custody until that date

A pre-trial review will be held on Friday, November 13, but Smith will not attend.