A MAN has denied murdering a father-of-three in an alleged hit-and-run attack and is set to face a trial.

Keith McCarthy, 42, was charged with murder in February after being extradited back to the UK from Ireland.

He is alleged to have killed 29-year-old Kerrin Repman, who died after his motorcycle collided with a BMW in Marine Parade, Dovercourt, on the afternoon of Wednesday, April 15, 2020.

A murder investigation was launched, with police believing Mr Repman was the target of a hit-and-run.

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McCarthy also faces a charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent in relation to the same incident.

A woman, aged in her 80s, was also involved in the crash and suffered lifechanging injuries.

During a short hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday, McCarthy, of Hordle Street, Dovercourt, denied both charges.

Judge Christopher Morgan remanded him in custody at HMP Chelmsford until a further case management hearing on July 29.

A trial, which is expected to last around four weeks, is expected to take place in October.

Gazette: Kerrin RepmanKerrin Repman

Judge Morgan said: “I will formally adjourn this case firstly to a further case manage hearing on July 29 or such other date that is agreed between the parties.

“The trial will be fixed for October 10.”

Turning to the defendant, he said: “Mr McCarthy, you will be produced July 29, if that is the date for the further case management hearing, and you should attend to assist your legal team.

“When your trial is called on, if you fail to attend then one of the consequences may well be – if there’s no good reason – that the trial firstly will take place in your absence and it may well be that your legal representatives will have to withdraw.

“I’m sure you will be here, but you must understand there are consequences for your case if you are not.”

Mr Repman, who worked as a chef, was remembered by his family as a “loveable and talented” man.

In a statement, they said: “We loved him unconditionally and he worked hard to be a good person and, above all, a good dad to his three beautiful children Romeo, Reggie, and Reenie.”