A pensioner has appeared in court charged with manslaughter after a squabble over a disabled parking bay allegedly ended in a man's death.

Alan Watts, 65, made his first appearance since being charged with causing the death of Brian Holmes, 64, formerly from Kemsley near Sittingbourne, on August 8.

Mr Holmes suffered severe head injuries in a fall outside an Asda store, near the disabled parking bays, after hitting his head during a row with Mr Watts.

Injured Mr Holmes was rushed to Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, but died the following day.

It later emerged the grandfather, who was a carer for his wife Christine, 60, had only been given the all-clear in his battle with cancer just days earlier.

Mr Watts, a builder from Biggleswade, Beds, appeared at Bedford Magistrates Court today, where he spoke to give his full name and address.

The labourer stood in the dock wearing beige trousers, a chequered blue shirt, a green jacket and rimmed glasses.

The grandfather asked the court clerk to "speak up" when questioned about his home address.

He then sat in silence as his case was passed immediately up to Luton Crown Court to be dealt with.

The defendant was bailed until his next court appearance and told he must surrender his passport and should not apply for any foreign travel documents.

Presiding magistrate Dr Wendi Momem told Mr Watts: "You are being sent to trial at the crown court which is sitting at Luton for the following offence - manslaughter.

"You are going to attend there on August 28 at 9.30am in the morning for a preliminary hearing that will take place at that time."

"You are being sent to trial at the crown court... for the following offence - manslaughter" - magistrate Dr Wendi Momem

As he left the court Mr Watts wore a brown cap and held papers in front of his face as photographers attempted to take pictures.

Mr Watts will now attend a preliminary hearing which will take place at Luton Crown Court on August 28.

Mr Holmes died as a result of a serious head injury following the alleged assault in Biggleswade.

His family released a statement shortly after his death, paying tribute to the dedicated "family man", who was a carer for his wife.

They said: "The family are devastated by the loss of Brian in such shocking circumstances.

"A wife has lost her husband, best friend and carer all in one go.

"Brian was a family man who adored his grandchildren and family, and had only this week been given the all clear following treatment for cancer."