A HUSBAND and wife have appeared at Maidstone Crown Court accused of conspiracy to murder.

Surinder Lehal, 39, and his 36-year-old wife Bhupinder, both of Astra Drive, Gravesend, spoke only to confirm their names.

They are charged with conspiring to murder Kalmaljit Kolan, who was stabbed more than 40 times at the entrance of Gordon Park, off Commercial Road, Gravesend, on July 11.

Also in the dock were Daljit Thind, 24, Manjinder Thind, 30, both of Edwin Street, Gravesend, and Parvinder Thind, 29, of Valetta Way, Rochester, who are all accused of attempted kidnap and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

The five will return to court on October 20 when pleas are expected to be entered. Surinder and Bhupinder Lehal were remanded in custody. Daljit, Manjinder and Parvinder Thind were released on bail.