A farm caretaker was murdered as he tried to stop a teenager stealing a trailer, a court heard.

Trevor Hadlow, 70, was found dead at Capstone Stud Farm in Capstone Road, Gillingham, on November 22.

More details about how Mr Hadlow died emerged at a brief hearing at Maidstone Crown Court this week.

The victim had tried to prevent a trailer being stolen by closing a gate. But the van towing the trailer was driven at the gate, causing it to fly back and hit Mr Hadlow.

He fell to the ground and his body was discovered in his caravan there two days later.

Now, the trial of the teenager accused of killing Mr Hadlow has been delayed by almost a week.

A judge agreed Michael Johnson's case should start on April 24 instead of April 18.

The 18-year-old, of Shannon Place, Warden Road, Eastchurch, is accused of murdering Mr Hadlow, and stealing a trailer belonging to Vanda Cochrane at the yard.

In a separate matter, Johnson is accused of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent to traffic warden David Drury on July 8 and dangerous driving in a Vauxhall Omega car in High Street, Eastchurch, the same day.

He has not yet entered pleas.

Mr Hadlow had worked at the stables for about eight or nine years.