A Russian national accused of murder has refused to cooperate with his lawyers, a court heard.

Jurijs Popovs is alleged to have killed Dmitrijs Titovs, 21, who died from stab wounds outside a block of flats in Henley Place, London Road, Teynham, in the early hours of New Year's Day.

Popovs, of Henley Place, has denied the charge and is due to stand trial at Maidstone Crown Court on July 1.

The 47-year-old complained he was unhappy with his legal representation and applied to change his solicitors from T S Law Practice in Sutton, Surrey, to Credence Law Group, based in Cambridge.

"Counsel for Credence Law Group submit he is a foreign national who feels he is not being fairly treated and, as a result, there is a real fear in his mind that he will not receive a fair trial," said Judge Philip Statman.

But rejecting the application, he told Popovs through an interpreter: "In these very difficult times where legal aid is a very precious commodity, this defendant has the extreme good fortune of having had from the outset a highly experienced firm of criminal solicitors.

"Not only has he had that advantage, he has also been represented by very experienced senior counsel. On any view substantial costs have already been incurred.

"There has been costs in terms of prison visits, court appearances, documents prepared and witnesses traced, all conducted by the current firm.

"In my judgement, everything that could be done has been done. Having heard this judgement, no doubt he will cooperate fully so that his defence can be presented to this court in due course.

"If he chooses to exercise his right not to serve a defence case statement, so be it."

But Popovs, who will have a top QC to represent him, returned to court because had continued to refuse to cooperate.

Danny Robinson, defending, told Judge Statman: "My solicitors and I sought to have a conference with Mr Popovs and he declined to see us, so there has been no communication. This morning he refused to speak to legal representatives."

The judge told Popovs: "I want to make something absolutely clear; your trial will commence on July 1. Uppermost in my mind is to ensure you have a fair trial.

"If you choose not to cooperate, then there is very little your lawyers can do to help you. It is in your best interests to cooperate with them.

"I have received an application to extend you legal aid cover to a Queens Counsel. I propose in due course to grant it."

He added: "You will have not only the advantage of your original counsel and solicitors but also representation by one of the most senior lawyers this country has to offer.

"I want to make clear that I am not prepared to transfer your representation to another firm because under the regulations I see no reason to do so."

The judge urged Popovs to cooperate with his lawyers.

Popovs replied: "This is the third time I have tried to leave this firm. I am not happy with their service. My wishes have not been answered."

Judge Statman sent Popovs back to the cells for 30 minutes to reconsider, but when he returned he insisted: "I cannot work with them. I am not going to cooperate."