Men jailed for violent assault in Kent

Six men have been given jail terms totalling 35 years following a violent assault near Maidstone which left two people suffering fractured skulls. The men were all sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court, for their part in a brutal attack which took place in Hucking last year. The incident occurred in Hook Lane on 25 November 2014 and followed a disagreement between one of the victims and 19-year-old Daniel King, over where King had been keeping dogs and the noise they making.

Family members and associates of Daniel King then descended on the scene and used weapons including knives, hammers and a knuckle duster to attack four members of the same family. The men struck multiple blows to the heads and bodies of their victims, two men and two women. One of the victims suffered a fractured skull and several large cuts after he was repeatedly hit with a meat cleaver. Injuries to the other victims included a second fractured skull, deep lacerations to the head, a stab wound to an arm and heavy bruising.

The offenders were all arrested by Kent Police within days of the attack.

Joseph King, 20, of New Road, Ditton, pleaded guilty to one offence of wounding with intent and two of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. He was sentenced to 10 years and 2 months imprisonment.

Joseph John King, 39, of New Road, Ditton, pleaded guilty to two offences of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. He was sentenced to 9 years and 8 months imprisonment.

William King, 19, of Medina Road, Ditton, admitted one offence of wounding with intent and one of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. He was sentenced to 9 years and 8 months imprisonment.

Daniel King, 19, of New Road, Ditton, Jimmy Price, 21, of Stockett Lane, Coxheath and Abraham Rossiter, 30, of Medina Road, Ditton all pleaded guilty to a count of violent disorder. They were each sentenced to 22 months imprisonment.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Parker said: ‘This is an excellent result and testament to the hard work and diligence of the investigating team of officers, all of whom have worked tirelessly to bring these violent offenders to justice. It has been a complex and challenging case to find and charge those responsible for what was a particularly brutal attack, against victims who had no way of defending themselves. There can never be any justification for this type of violent behaviour, although it is important to remember that these types of incidents remain extremely rare. I would also like to thank the victims, who have suffered some appalling injuries at the hands of these men. They have since shown great courage in helping us ensure their attackers will now pay for their crimes.’