A TEENAGER has admitted killing a 16-year-old boy as he walked across a cricket ground in Sittingbourne.

Lee Cowie, 18, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Michael Chapman but denied murdering him and he will stand trial on that charge on March 27 next year.

A youth, aged 16, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, denied manslaughter. He also faces a charge of murder, but his plea was adjourned until October 30.

Cowie, of Beechwood Avenue, Sittingbourne, was remanded in custody. His co-defendant, from Broadstairs, was remanded to the care of the local authority under stringent conditions.

They include a 6pm to 6am curfew, reporting to the police daily and not leaving his accommodation unless accompanied by a Social Services representative.

Security staff were called to deal with a disturbance outside the court from youngsters who had been sitting in the public gallery during the brief hearing.

The victim of the killing, who lived in Sheppey Way, Bobbing, had been on his way home on June 16 when he was attacked.

He was walking with his girlfriend, aged 17, after a night out. Also present were his older brother, David, and his girlfriend.