TWO men and a teenage girl accused of murdering 34-year-old labourer Scott Upton are to stand trial on July 17.

Neil Smitheman, 25, Kieran Morris, 24, and the 16-year-old girl, appeared at Maidstone Crown Court but were not asked to enter pleas to the charge.

They were joined in the dock by Ian Haben, 40, who has been charged with perverting the course of justice. The girl, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, also faces a similar charge.

All four will return to court on April 10, when the charges will be put to them.

Mr Upton, a father from Gillingham, died from multiple stab wounds. His body was discovered at the back of the White Horse pub on the corner of Station Road and Rainham High Street on October 13.

Smitheman, of Station Road, Rainham, and Morris, of Speedwell Close, Gillingham, were remanded in custody.

Haben, of Cavell Way, Sittingbourne, and the teenager, from Gillingham, were released on bail.