A Broadstairs man appeared in court on Monday charged with murder.

Thomas McConnell, 36, of Hugin Avenue, is alleged to have murdered 51-year-old Andrew Worton between March 14 and 17.

Mr Worton, a grandfather-of-five, was found seriously injured at a house in Hillbrow Road, Ramsgate. He was taken to the QEQM Hospital but died the next day.

In a moving tribute at the time, Mr Worton's son, Benjy, 26, said he felt "as if my heart has been ripped out".

McConnell appeared in the dock at Maidstone Crown Court supported on crutches. No indication of his plea to the charge was given during the brief preliminary hearing.

Judge Andrew Patience QC was told any trial that does take place is expected to start on September 7 and last three to four weeks.

McConnell was remanded in custody until his next hearing on June 8.