A man appeared at Maidstone Crown Court this week accused of manslaughter by gross negligence after a drug addict died.

Ben Phillips, of Gillum Bungalows, Luckhurst Lane, Smarden, is also charged with conspiring to prevent the lawful and decent burial of a Jed Turner, also known as Jed Little, and possessing heroin and crack cocaine.

Thirty-four-year-old Mr Turner's body was discovered in the garden of a house in St Teresa's Close, Ashford, on March 8.

He had been injecting heroin shortly before his death, Judge Philip Statman heard on Monday when Phillips, 33, appeared by TV link with Elmley Prison, Sheppey.

Phillips was refused bail and remanded until October 20, when he is expected to enter pleas to the charges. A provisional trial date was set for March 12 next year.

John Allen, 58, of Beecholme Drive, Kennington, has been bailed to appear at Canterbury magistrates' court on Friday on a charge of conspiring to prevent the lawful and decent burial of a dead body.

Mr Turner, of Hythe Road, Ashford, was a former pupil at the North School and Hothfield primary school. He was previously a member of the Army Cadet Force.