A father accused of killing his six-week-old baby in Broadstairs has appeared at Maidstone Crown Court today.

Lee Vernon, 20, of no fixed address, was not asked to enter a plea to the charge of murdering Mckenzie Ellis during the brief hearing by TV link from Elmley Prison.

He spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and nationality.

The baby boy died at London's Kings College Hospital on July 26. Police had been alerted three days before that he had been admitted from his home in Linley Road, Broadstairs, with injuries and was in a critical condition.

Vernon was charged following an investigation by detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate.

He was remanded in custody and will enter a plea on March 1 next year. A provisional trial date was set for May 20.

Prosecutor Philip Bennetts QC said: “I suspect there will be a number of expert reports. There will be analysis of bone material.”

An inquest into Mckenzie's death was postponed in August pending the outcome of any criminal proceedings.