A 28-year-old man is to go on trial next year accused of taking part in a robbery which left the alleged victim black and blue.

Pensioner Arthur Chew was attacked at his home in Kent Avenue, Minster, on Sheppey, on Saturday, October 10.

Now bearded Andrew McNair has appeared at Maidstone Crown Court and pleaded not guilty to robbing Mr Chew of money.

McNair, of Warden Bay Road, Warden, will now face his three-day trial on May 24 next year.

Mr Chew, who suffers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), was left with a black eye and bruises on his arms after the incident.

Defence barrister Phoebe Bragg told Judge Catherine Moore that prosecution's DNA analysis is likely to be challenged during the trial.

Two women, aged 51 and 39, were both arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit burglary but were later released, pending further inquiries.

Prosecutor Mike Hollis said no-one else had been charged in relation to the alleged attack.

To read more of our in depth coverage of all of the major trials coming out of crown and magistrates' courts across the county, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Sheppey