A man accused of murdering Gordon Farnes in Tunbridge Wells appeared at Maidstone Crown Court earlier today.

Gordon Locke, 28, of no fixed address, was not asked to enter a plea at the brief hearing.

He will do so on August 1. A provisional trial date was set for January 7 next year.

Police were called to an address in Sherwood Road on Tuesday, July 17, after 43-year-old Gordon Farnes suffered fatal stab wounds.

Paramedics including the air ambulance attended the scene.

Thomas Godfrey, defending, said the court would be informed if a bail application was to be made.

Locke wiped away tears and put his head in his hands while appearing on a TV link with Elmley Prison.

Prosecutor Philip Bennetts QC said there were no members of Mr Farnes’ family in court. Relatives of Locke were present.

According to his Facebook profile, Mr Farnes came from West Ham, East London, but went to Sandown Court Community College in Pembury.

Tributes have been posted on social media and his family said in a statement: "We tragically lost an important member of our family who was loved dearly.

"Gordon Farnes was a loving, loyal, caring family person. Unfortunately, he has been taken from us but will never be forgotten. He will always live on and be in our hearts."