A fault with a court alarm system meant three teenagers charged over the death of a 42-year-old man were unable to attend.

Four teenagers were due to appear at Maidstone Crown Court where they stand accused of the manslaughter of victim Dale Simmons who plunged 90ft in Chalk Pit Hill, Chatham, on April 14.

But only one managed to make it to today's hearing after problems with the alarm system.

It meant that the docks remained empty as security staff were unable to escort defendants between the cells and the court.

Only a 16-year-old was able to appear as the other defendants sat in the cells while lawyers discussed the arrangements for the trial, which is expected to begin on October 17.

The four are alleged to have chased 42-year-old Dale Simmons through a street until he plunged 90ft to his death.

Tyrese Scott, 18, of Rochester Street, Chatham, a 17-year-old boy and two 16-year-old boys are yet to enter their pleas.

They are all expected to enter pleas to manslaughter at hearings in July.

Mr Simmons was walking with his partner near Chalk Pitt Hill at around 7pm on Wednesday, April 13, when the alleged incident happened.

An engineer was expected at court to deal with the alarm system - but no defendants were allowed in the dock.

A number of cases were adjourned because judges were unable to pass custodial sentences.