by Julia Roberts

A Czech man accused of stabbing a man to death in Blue Town appeared in court today.

Milos Louzecky, 46, allegedly murdered 29-year-old Pavel Vanek in West Street on April 19.

Louzecky, himself of West Street, appeared at Maidstone Crown Court for a brief preliminary hearing and was assisted throughout by an interpreter.

During the proceedings Judge Philip Statman expressed his astonishment that factory worker Louzecky has not yet been granted formal legal representation.

Having been told by defence barrister Tom Stern that the Legal Services Commission is requesting three months of wage slips before granting the representation order, the judge remarked: "What, for murder?

"This is extraordinary. I am not going to have delay in this case occurring as a result of this man not being represented.

"I am going to invite the Legal Services Commission as a matter of urgency to deal with any application... This is a case of murder, not shoplifting."

No indication of plea was given and Louzecky was remanded in custody until a plea and case management hearing on July 29.

His trial is expected to start on October 17 and last up to two weeks.