The father of a man shot dead by police probing the murder of a Biddenden pensioner has spoken of his anger that his son has been repeatedly implicated in the crime during his alleged co-conspirator's trial.

Today mechanic Mark Love was sent down for 28 years for his part in the violent burglary of Roy Blackman's home in Heartsay Bungalow during the night of March 20.

During the trial, the prosecution has repeatedly made clear the links the 38-year-old from Staplehurst has to William 'Curly Bill' Smith, shot dead in Goudhurst on Sunday, May 1. The prosecution said if circumstances were different, the pair would likely have appeared in the dock together.

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Speaking outside the court after the sentencing, William Smith's father Tracey said: "My only interest in this case was what was said and the implication against my son Billy.

"It was emphasised at the beginning of the trial that Billy was not on trial but his name would need to be mentioned which I understand but he was on trial as much as anybody.

"And for someone who can't be here and has got no legal representation and I think that's wrong."

"The outcome doesn't concern me to be honest with you."

During the four-week trial the court heard how William Smith's DNA had been discovered on a bottle of cleaning fluid in the lounge Mr Blackman's ransacked property, Heartsay Bungalow.

The court also saw footage of the accused alongside William Smith shelling out cash on new clothes at designer outlet McArthurGlen in Ashford after the murder.

Police have made it clear they consider more offenders are outstanding and will be continuing their investigation.

Mr Smith added: "It's painted a picture of him being a leader of a vicious gang of burglars with no defence and that's what annoying to my family.

"We've lost a son. I have a daughter in law that's got not husband and I've got grandchildren that've got no father and if that's not punishment already we are still going through it five months after his death and it's going on and on and on.

"Whether we will ever be able to prove his innocence in any of it, we don't know, do we. I don't think anybody will ever know the full truth because he's not here to answer."

An inquest has been opened by Gravesend coroner Roger Hatch and the matter has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) who will hold its own inquiry.