A TEENAGER who killed a former friend with a freak blow to the head has been acquitted of murder.

Nineteen-year-old Lee Cowie will now face sentence for the manslaughter of Michael Chapman - a charge he admitted.

A 16-year-old boy who cannot be identified, was discharged after he was acquitted of both murder and manslaughter at Maidstone Crown Court.

Adjourning sentence until May 30, Judge Andrew Patience, QC, said he would need a report on Cowie because of his age.

The judge had issued a warning to the crowded public gallery before the jury of six men and six women returned to court after deliberating for more than five-and-a-half hours.

"If there is the slightest noise or reaction to the verdicts when returned, the persons responsible will be removed from court and dealt with," he said.

The Chapman family appeared stunned by the jury's decision, but there was no other reaction.

The court heard during the three-week trial that wearing hoodies, Cowie and the boy ambushed Michael at The Grove recreation ground in Sittingbourne on June 16 last year.

The prosecution said that Cowie, of Beechwood Avenue, Sittingbourne, punched 16-year-old Michael, of Sheppey Way, Bobbing, near Sittingbourne, to the ground and kicked him in the head. He lost consciousness rapidly and died at the scene.

Cowie, who claimed he did not intend to cause Michael serious injury, was remanded in custody.