A 21-year-old man denied murdering scaffolder Drew Shepherd when he appeared at Maidstone Crown Court today.

Lee Bullen, of Heritage Drive, Gillingham, is alleged to have killed 23-year-old Mr Shepherd in Goudhurst Road, Twydall, Gillingham, on February 3.

Mr Shepherd, who lived in Goudhurst Road and attended both Twydall infants and junior schools, died from a bottle wound to the neck.

Bullen, who appeared by TV link from Elmley Prison, Sheppey, was remanded in custody.

A date was not set for the trial, expected to last up to three weeks. Judge Warwick McKinnon said it might have to be transferred to another court, such as London’s Old Bailey.