A man accused of murdering a vulnerable grandfather in his Medway home will face a retrial later this year.

A jury failed to reach a verdict last Thursday after deliberating for over 27 hours spread over five days.

The new trial date is not until November 13 because Paul Campbell’s legal team is not available until then.

Judge Philip Statman said at Maidstone Crown Court on Monday: "The defendant faces the gravest of charges. It is right to have continuity of representation."

Campbell, known as Noodles, has denied murdering Steve Berry at his flat in Kinross Close, Princes Park, between July 10 and 12 2015.

The 30-year-old, of Farley Close, Chatham, was arrested after Mr Berry’s body was discovered by a neighbour.

The victim, who was 59 and said to be “reasonably wealthy”, died from a combination of haemorrhage and head injury from “multiple blunt impacts” and penetrating knife injuries to his head and face.

Mr Berry, an alcoholic who previously lived at Melville Court in Brompton, had severe head injuries including a fractured skull and brain damage. There were stab wounds to the upper chest and defensive injuries to both hands.

A pathologist concluded that food tins, a Stanley knife or the broken handle of a milk pan could have been used as weapons.

Campbell, who worked at Auto Renovations in Hoo, was remanded in custody.