A 21-year-old man will stand trial early next year accused of murdering a teenage girl whose body was discovered in the sea in Thanet.

Michael Bowditch, of Prestedge Avenue, Ramsgate, denied killing Becky Morgan, 17, when he appeared at Maidstone Crown Court today.

Police had been alerted at 5am on May 1 this year by people concerned for the welfare of a girl seen in the water in the Port of Ramsgate.

At 7.45am, Becky’s body was recovered from the sea off Broadstairs.

Oliver Saxby QC, defending, said the issue at the trial starting on January 23 would be how Becky, from Ramsgate, ended up in the water and whether it was deliberate.

The cause of death, he said, was not in dispute.

Judge Jeremy Carey was told the victim’s parents were both profoundly deaf and sign interpreters would be needed at the trial.

The judge said: “One does not overlook that the court is concerned with the gravest of crimes, the tragedy of death and the fact the defendant is charged with murder.

“We have to get on and manage the case. It doesn’t mean one is insensitive to what this is about.”

Bowditch waved to people in the public gallery as he was remanded in custody.