by Keith Hunt

Two men were aggressive and provocative and spoiling for a fight before they attacked a university student, causing him fatal injuries, a court heard.

Victim Ben Neilson had not been involved in any trouble when he was set upon in Ashford town centre by Zion Covey and Gareth Powell, it was alleged.

Jonathan Higgs, prosecuting, said the 21-year-old former Norton Knatchbull School pupil was struck a heavy blow to the head when he was attacked on April 21, and was believed to be unconscious by the time he hit the ground.

He was then kicked while down by both Covey, 21, and 20-year-old Powell, said Mr Higgs.

Ben, 21, of Essella Road, Willesborough, was taken to hospital "in a terrible state" and died a week later from catastrophic and irreversible brain damage.

Covey, 21, of Lynsted Close, Stanhope, Ashford, and Gareth Powell, 19, of Bensted, South Ashford, deny murder and manslaughter.

The trial continues, at Maidstone Crown Court.