A Maidstone teenager accused of murder in the town at the weekend has appeared at Maidstone Crown Court today.

Caleb White, of Cornwall Close, Shepway, spoke only to confirm his name during the brief preliminary hearing.

It was the 19-year-old's first appearance at the crown court since he was charged with the murder of 21-year-old Tom Crittenden.

Mr Crittenden (pictured right) died in Sutton Road, at about 2.15am on Sunday. A post mortem revealed he was killed by a single stab wound.

A trial date was provisionally fixed for April 10 next year and is expected to last two weeks. Catherine Donnelly, defending, said the issues of the case are likely to be self-defence and intent.

White, who was wearing navy blue tracksuit bottoms with a brown and blue polo shirt, was remanded in custody by Judge Jeremy Carey until his next hearing on December 16.

Four other people have been arrested in connection with Mr Crittenden's death.

A 21-year-old man and three women aged 18, 19 and 28 have all been bailed pending further investigation.

Mr Crittenden's father Paul, mum Glenda and brother Sam paid tribute to their beloved family member in a statement.

They said: "Tom, our loving son, brother and grandson will be so missed by his family and close network of friends and colleagues. He was known as a gentle giant and was dearly loved by everyone who knew him."