by Keith Hunt

A man accused of murdering his partner after she was fatally injured in an alleyway in Ashford has appeared in court today.

Steven Brooker, of Waterman House, Godfrey Road, spoke only to be identified and to acknowledge he understood the proceedings during the brief hearing.

He is accused of killing mother-of-six and grandmother Susie Smith, 50, also known as Beaney, on April 29.

She died in the William Harvey Hospital after being taken there from the alleyway between Christchurch Road and Godfrey Walk.

Brooker, 42, was remanded in custody until July 1, when he is due to enter a plea to the charge.

At Maidstone Crown Court, Judge Jeremy Carey set a provisional trial date of November 16.