A man has appeared in court accused of threatening to kill a local newspaper editor.

Robert Mansfield, 24, is alleged to have made death threats to Leo Whitlock, the former editor of KentOnline’s sister papers the Kentish Gazette, East Kent Mercury and Thanet Extra.

Magistrates in Margate heard Mansfield had complained over the phone about an online article which referred to him as a victim of a stabbing on October 18 last year.

He wanted the article taken down or his name removed, but Mr Whitlock declined the request.

It is then alleged Mansfield threatened to kill the journalist, a claim he denies.

He pleaded not guilty to making a phone call which conveyed a threat for the purpose of causing distress or anxiety to Mr Whitlock, who now works as head of communications for Canterbury City Council.

Mansfield, of Margate Road, Ramsgate, was bailed with the condition he must not enter any KM Group office for any reason and must not contact Mr Whitlock.

He will face trial at Margate Magistrates Court on May 22.