THREE people have appeared in court accused of the murder of a 34-year-old father from Gillingham.

Neil Smitheman, 25, Kieran Morris, 24, and a 16-year-old girl from Gillingham, appeared before magistrates in Chatham.

Scott Upton’s body was discovered at the back of the White Horse pub on the corner of Station Road and Rainham High Street in the early hours of last Thursday morning. The labourer died of multiple stab wounds.

Smitheman, of Station Road, Rainham, Morris of Speedwell Close, Gillingham, and the girl were flanked by officers as they walked into court. The girl, who lives in Gillingham, cannot be named for legal reasons.

People in the public gallery who began shouting during the hearing were told by the magistates they would be ejected from the court unless they kept quiet.

The trio were remanded in custody and will appear at Maidstone Crown Court on November 7.