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

The youth, also aged 16, had previously denied the manslaughter of Michael Chapman, of Sheppey Way, Bobbing.

The murder charge was put to him at Maidstone Crown Court on Monday.

The teenager, from Broadstairs, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, is jointly accused with Lee Cowie, 18, of Beechwood Avenue, Sittingbourne, who admits manslaughter but denies murder.

The victim had been on his way home on June 16 when he was attacked on Gore Court cricket ground.

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

The trial date has been set for March 27 next year.