A father has denied murdering his six-week-old baby.

Lee Vernon, 20, who appeared before the Old Bailey today via videolink, pleaded not guilty to murder.

Mckenzie Ellis died at Kings College Hospital in south London on July 26 last year.

Vernon previously appeared before Maidstone Crown Court just to confirm his name and address.

The Honourable Justice Ediss spoke to confirm the indictment was one charge of murder.

He said: "This case concerns one count of murder."

Vernon, of no fixed address, is next due to appear at the Old Bailey on March 22 for a pre-trial preparation hearing.

The trial is scheduled to begin on June 4 at Maidstone Crown Court - and is expected to last for two to three weeks.

The court heard how the baby had no siblings and that the mother of the deceased child is due to be a witness.

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.