A man has pleaded not guilty to the murder of a dad found fatally stabbed outside a village pub.

Adam Pritchard, 35, was found with two wounds to his chest and abdomen outside The Queen’s Head in The Street, Boughton-under-Blean, near Faversham on March 13.

William Cosier, 33, of Well Lane, Canterbury, was arrested the following day, charged with murder and held in custody.

Appearing by videolink at Canterbury Crown Court today, Cosier spoke to enter a not-guilty plea to murder.

Last month, an inquest opening into Mr Pritchard’s death held at Oakwood House in Maidstone heard a fight broke out at the pub shortly before the stabbing.

Despite efforts from paramedics, he died a short distance away.

Mr Pritchard was described as "generous, funny and loyal" in tributes posted on social media.

Cosier, who also denies two separate charges of possessing a knife, is expected to argue he acted in self-defence during his trial.

The three-week trial will be held at the same court and is expected to begin on September 16.

Both men were in the pub before Mr Pritchard sustained injuries, in which one wound penetrated Mr Pritchard’s liver, a court was told in a brief hearing last month.

He collapsed about five minutes later and could not be resuscitated despite the efforts of paramedics.

Area coroner Katrina Hepburn told last month’s inquest opening Mr Pritchard died as a result of the two wounds.

It was revealed he had “turned up to the pub” when “a fight” broke out before he was stabbed.

Mr Pritchard, who lived in Cremer Place, Faversham, was then taken “into a car to get to the hospital” before an ambulance which had been called was flagged down. But he died at the scene.

Ms Hepburn suspended the full inquest due to the ongoing police investigation.

Three men aged between 37 and 42 who were also arrested were bailed until dates in June, while two other men aged 31 and 42 were released without charge.

Tributes described Mr Pritchard as a "generous, funny and loyal" man.

In statements shared on social media, Gemz Sweetlove said: “[I am] heartbroken for the loveliest family in Faversham. You will be sadly missed by so many.”

Amy-Jayne Lambert added: “You will be sorely missed and there will be a huge Adam-shaped hole in so many people’s lives. I will cherish my memories with you forever.”

Police officers and paramedics were called to the incident at around 10.30pm on March 13.

The Street was shut for more than 24 hours between the junctions with Arthur Kennedy Close and School Lane.

The Queens Head pub was cordoned off, with forensics seen going in and out.

There was also a cordon half a mile along The Street, and a white tent was erected near a bus stop.

Vicar Cathrine Ngangira told KentOnline at the time the incident was “very concerning”.

“It is so close to the school,” she said.

“It was a shock to see this happening in our community.

“The pub is one of the most used spaces in our village and I’m wondering if adults and children here will feel safe.”