The trial of four men accused of murder will not now start at Maidstone Crown Court until after Easter.

Kevin Horlock, 32, Marvin Service, 35, Bill Saunders, 30, and 38-year-old Trevor Lees are alleged to have killed Ted Shaxted at his flat in Wallis Park, Northfleet, more than three years ago.

The 36-year-old alcoholic suffered multiple injuries in an attack on December 2, 2007. He died in hospital 12 days later.

Horlock, of Hatfield Road, Strood, Service, of Brandon Street, Gravesend, Saunders, of Denton Caravan Site, Shamrock Road, Gravesend, and Lees, of London Road, Northfleet, deny murder.

A jury of nine men and three women was sworn in today and then sent away until next Tuesday.

The defendants were remanded in custody.