A Chatham grandfather found dead on the floor of his kitchen had suffered a "substantial assault" according to prosecutors.

Paul Campbell, 29, of Farley Close, Lordswood, has been charged with murdering Steve Berry, 59, at his home in Kinross Close, Princes Park.

He appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court via video link on Monday and his case was sent to Maidstone Crown Court two days later when he was remanded in custody at Elmley prison on the Isle of Sheppey.

Mr Berry, who lived alone and suffered poor health, was found dead on July 12 last year.

Despite making several arrests, no charges had been brought by police, until Campbell was accused this week.

Prosecutor Ryan Richter told the crown court that the Mr Berry had been "subjected to a substantial assault" and there was blood in the kitchen.

Mr Richter said Mr Berry had been suffering from cirrhosis of the liver and walked with the aid of a stick.

Campbell, who was initially arrested on July 26 and released on bail, will next appear at Maidstone Crown Court on July 4 to enter a plea.

Judge Jeremy Carey set a provisional trial date for October 3.

A 28-year-old woman, of no fixed address, also arrested on suspicion of murder, remains on bail until Wednesday, and another woman, 26, who was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice, is also on bail.

Graham Fitzgerald, 47, was taken into police custody on July 12 last year, after finding Mr Berry dead in his flat.

Mr Fitzgerald, who was friends with Mr Berry, was arrested and questioned for three days, but months later was released without charge.

In December last year, Mr Berry’s family revealed he was killed just a couple of weeks before he was about to start his life afresh and move in with his loved ones.

He had battled a drink problem and had moved to Kinross Close from Brompton about two years before he died.

Speaking to KentOnline's sister paper the Medway Messenger earlier, his stepdaughter Yvette Philpott, 34, said: "He was our dad and we miss him.

"The past months have been really difficult for us as a family.

"We saw him occasionally and then he moved to Princes Park and we bonded again and would visit him regularly.

"He would talk to anyone. He was a very friendly person and would never hurt a fly. He would get on with everyone.

"He was a lovely chap and had no malice in him whatsoever, he would never cause any trouble and was a storyteller."