A man at the centre of a murder investigation died while decorating a customer’s home, an inquest has heard.

William Rowe, 71, was found dead at a property in Mercury Close, Borstal, Rochester, on Tuesday, September 5.

He was working as a decorator for a woman when Simon Brown turned up and an “altercation” took place.

Police were called at 7.47am and arrived around 45 minutes later to find the pensioner dead in the front room.

Coroner Sarah Clarke said his medical cause of death was given as blunt force trauma to the neck, head and torso.

Brown, of Snowdon Close, Chatham, appeared at Maidstone Crown Court today (Monday) charged with murder.

The 27-year-old was not asked to enter a plea and no application for bail was made.

Lawyers set a potential trial date for March 2, 2024. Brown will be required to enter his plea at a hearing on November 10, when an application for bail is also expected.

A 33-year-old woman who was also arrested has been released without charge.

The court heard how Mr Rowe, of May Road, Gillingham, was widowed and had to be identified by police.

An inquest into the death was suspended while detectives carry out their investigation.