by Keith Hunt

A murder suspect has been cleared after pathologists claimed his alleged victim died from drug use - and wasn't strangled.

Renes Kutkevics was accused of throttling 24-year-old warehouse worker Nikita Panarins to death.

The charge was based on the "initial thoughts" of pathologist Dr Kenneth Shorrock.

But Jonathan Higgs, prosecuting, said toxicologist reports has instead raised concerns about the level of heroin in Mr Panarins's blood.

A report by defence pathologist Dr David Rouse then gave the cause of death as opiate poisoning.

Another pathologist said death was from the combined effect of the drug and alcohol, Maidstone Crown Court heard.

"The Crown's view now is that not only is Mr Kutkevics not guilty of murder, but that, in fact, this is not a case of murder at all, at least in the sense of strangulation," said Mr Higgs.

"It is a case where there has been on all the evidence administration of opiates by a third party. That is a separate matter from Mr Kutkevics.

"It is extremely unfortunate he has been in custody facing what on any view is a serious charge. We have had this listed today in haste."

Mr Higgs said no further evidence would be offered against the 25-year-old Latvian, of Hawley Square, Margate.

"The matter will be looked into to learn lessons in the future," he added.

The victim's body was discovered at a flat in Hawley Square in November last year. He worked at a warehouse for Morrisons supermarket in Sittingbourne.

Entering a not guilty verdict, Mr Justice Akenhead said: "This is an unfortunate case.

"Dr Shorrock, having considered these reports, remains unconvinced but says he is persuaded that consideration should be given to the possibility that the victim did die as a result of alcohol and drugs."