Man denies murdering 73-year-old

A man has denied murdering pensioner Roy Blackman in a burglary at his home in Biddenden.

Mark Love entered the plea at Maidstone Crown Court on Monday and will now stand trial on September 5.

The 37-year-old, of Frittenden Road, Staplehurst, is accused of killing Mr Blackman, who was 73, at his house in Headcorn Road between March 18 and 22.

His body was found on Monday, March 21. He had been bludgeoned to death.

Love also denied aggravated burglary at a house in Ewhurst Lane, Northiam, Rye, East Sussex, on February 21.

He is alleged to have entered the home while armed with a hammer and taser and stolen cash, two shotguns, 300 cartridges, a credit card, four trophies, a watch, a Toyota Hilux car, a pair of binoculars, four pigeon magnets, a quantity of pigeon cradles and four jackets.

Prosecutor Simon Taylor said the victims of the “violent burglary” will be on holiday in Canada at the time of the trial but there was no issue over their police statements. Love, who spoke only to be identified, was remanded in custody.