An unemployed 45-year-old man accused of murdering a Margate student is expected to stand trial in the new year.

Ian Deadman, of Canterbury Road, Margate, is alleged to have stabbed Tommy Balsam on September 8.

The 25-year-old father was found by a police officer called to a disturbance in Canterbury Road.

Deadman, who has been remanded in custody, was not at Maidstone Crown Court for a brief hearing on Monday.

A provisional trial date has been set for March 19.