A ROMANIAN fruit picker is facing trial for manslaughter in the New Year following the death of a fellow worker.

Nicholae Radu, 23, of Hernhill Nurseries, Hernhill, near Faversham, today made his first appearance before a judge when a preliminary hearing took place at Maidstone Crown Court.

He was remanded in custody to await a plea and directions hearing, which has been fixed for January 6, 2003.

Lithuanian fruit picker Valdas Urba, 25, sustained severe head injuries after an incident in a hut used by fruit pickers at Gaskains Farm, Selling, on Friday, October 11. He died in hospital in Canterbury the following Monday.