A teenager accused of battering a father-of-two to death in Broad Green has been declared mentally fit to enter a plea.

Rostam Ahmadi is accused of attacking Umesh Chaudhari with a brick, just yards from his home in Dennett Road on July 7, last year.

The 41-year-old was on his way to work at Tesco at about 7am when he was attacked.

Since his arrest, the 19-year-old Afghan immigrant has been detained under the mental health act at the Bethlem Royal Hospital, in Beckenham.

The court heard reports recently written by two different psychiatrists found there had been a significant improvement in Mr Ahmadi's mental health, with both doctors recommending he was now mentally fit to enter a plea.

After reading the reports and hearing evidence from consultant psychiatrist Dr Shubulade Smith, his Honour Judge Peter Thornton QC said he was satisfied Mr Ahmadi's mental health had improved to the point he was metnally fit to enter a plea and potentially stand trial.

Dressed in a blue t-shirt and grey track suit bottoms spoke only to confirm his name and sat in silence as the Judge gave his ruling.

The teenager of no fixed address, is also charged with two counts of robbery that are alleged to have taken place last May.

He was remanded in custody and will continue to be detained at the Bethlem Royal Hospital until May 22, when he will appear for a Plea and Case Management Hearing.