Man accused of killing his father to stand trial

A man accused of stabbing his father 26 times in the street in Kent, has appeared at court.

Police were called to Noreen Avenue on the Isle of Sheppey just after 18:30 GMT on Saturday following reports of a serious assault.

Timothy Hepworth, 59, was confirmed dead at the scene and his son, William Hepworth, has since been charged with his murder.

The 23-year-old, also known as Bill Rock, appeared at Maidstone Crown Court on Wednesday via video-link from HMP Elmley. A provisional trial date was set for 6 July.

"The Crown alleges he ran up effectively in the street and stabbed his father, I think, 26 times," Ryan Richter, prosecuting told the court.

The accused was appearing via video link from HMP Elmley.

Hepworth, of Alma Road, Sheerness, was remanded in custody ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing on 21 April.

Additional reporting by PA.

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