A seventh man from Kent has been charged in connection with the death of Julian Gardner at his Sussex farm last year.

Oliver Payne, 25, of Sandhurst Road in Tunbridge Wells, has been charged with manslaughter, conspiracy to commit burglary and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

He is due at Hastings Magistrates' this morning.

Sussex mechanic Mr Gardner, 53, was killed after apparently disturbing intruders at the farm in Robertsbridge where he ran an agricultural and car repair business on October 11 last year.

Police believe he may have been crushed between two vehicles.

Six other people have already been charged in connection with the incident.

Terrence Bristow, 40, of Chart Road, Great Chart, Ashford, Marcus Bristow, 31, of Mock Lane, Great Chart, Ashford, Lee Delay, 22, of Whitegate Close, Tunbridge Wells, Christopher Leek, 29, of Pear Tree Close, Cranbrook, and Paul Dunn, 32, of Fryth Crescent, Cranbrook, will all face manslaughter allegations.

They are also charged with conspiracy to burgle Bush Barn Farm and conspiracy to pervert the course of public justice.

A sixth man, Terrence Dunn, 56, of Tanyards Estate, Sandhurst, has also been charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

A trial has been scheduled for 13 February, 2012.