A man charged with attempted murder following a stabbing in Sittingbourne more than two years ago will stand trial in December.

Alex Whitby was just 19 when it is alleged he tried to kill Stephen Smith in Leigh Road on October 28, 2022.

Mr Smith was found with serious injuries at around 12.40am and airlifted to a London hospital in a critical condition.

Whitby was arrested at the scene before being released on bail.

But it was not until last month that he appeared before Medway magistrates after being charged with the attempted murder of Mr Smith and wounding with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm.

The case was then sent to Maidstone Crown Court where, during a hearing on Friday (March 21), the now 21-year-old pleaded not guilty to both offences.

He was told by Judge Julian Smith that his trial, at which he is expected to argue self-defence and lack of intent, will start on December 15.

Whitby, of Boyer Street, Loughborough in Leicestershire, was released on bail until a pre-trial review hearing on October 30.