The trial of a man accused of murdering his cousin Danny Wallis, in Gravesend, is due to start this afternoon (February 1).

The 29-year-old's body was found in his flat in Gravesham Court, Clarence Row, on May 31 last year.

Mr Wallis was pronounced dead at the scene, by South East Coast Ambulance Service.

Travis John Smith, 23 of no fixed address, has denied the murder charge against him.

He will appear at Canterbury Crown Court today, after his trial was moved from Maidstone.

Following his death, Mr Wallis' dad Steve, step-mum Sue, and brother Joe paid tribute to a "lovely man".

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Danny Wallis

They said: "Danny always made time to help people out where he could and never had any qualms about it.

"It's just such a terrible tragedy that such a lovely man was taken away from us too soon.

"He will be surely missed by many."

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Smith was due to stand trial in November, but it was delayed so he could have access to an intermediary.

Intermediaries work within the justice system to enable vulnerable suspects, defendants, victims and witnesses to give complete, coherent and accurate evidence to the court.