A 25-year-old man gave no indication of his plea when he appeared at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday accused of a hit-and-run murder.

Jake Austin, of Priestfield Road, Gillingham, spoke only to be identified on a TV link between Elmley Prison, Sheppey and Maidstone Crown Court.

John O’Donohue, 33, died at Medway Maritime Hospital from severe head injuries after being hit by a car in Castlemaine Avenue, Gillingham, on Thursday, January 23.

It is believed Mr O’Donohue and a friend were involved in a dispute with the occupants of a Ford Mondeo estate at the junction with Grange Road at about 8.50pm that evening.

They both walked off down Castlemaine Avenue and were followed by the Mondeo, which then struck the victim. The other man was unharmed and he ran to raise the alarm at a nearby badminton club.

Austin was arrested in Swindon, Wiltshire.

Detectives later arrested a 20-year-old Rochester man on suspicion of supplying drugs and affray. He has been released on police bail while inquiries continue.

Richard Atkinson, for Austin, applied for bail, saying his client could stay with his girlfriend’s sister at an address in Catford, south east London.

But Judge Jeremy Carey refused bail and remanded Austin in custody until April 17 for a plea and directions hearing. A preliminary trial date was set for July 21.