FIVE men denied murdering Kent teenager Christopher Alaneme when they appeared before a judge at Maidstone Crown Court.

Mr Alaneme, who was 18, suffered fatal stab wounds near McDonald's in High Street, Sheerness, late at night on April 21 this year. He lived on the Isle of Sheppey.

In the dock today were Gerry Duhig, 27, his brother Sean Duhig, 23, both plasterers, of Melbury Drive, Camberwell, south east London, Peter Connolly, 29, a painter and decorator, of Carisbrooke Gardens, Peckham, south east London, Andrew Giblin, 26, a bank worker, of Commercial Way, Peckham, and Terence Beaney, 23, a plasterer, of Rideout Street, Woolwich, south east London.

They are all accused of killing the black youth. Beaney, Connolly and Giblin also pleaded not guilty to wounding Sheerness taxi driver Mark Davies with intent to do grievous bodily harm on the same date.

Mr Justice Wilkie said the trial, expected to last up to seven weeks, will start on October 1 next year. The judge said June 4 was available, but defence lawyers requested the later date.

Connolly, Beaney and Giblin were remanded in custody, while bail was continued for Gerry and Sean Duhig.