A thug who was a member of an armed gang that caused “mayhem” in a failed robbery at a caravan has been jailed for 10 years.

One of the victims, Simon Pickering, fought back with a machete at the site in Swanley Village but still suffered a fractured skull when he was struck with a candelabra.

Of the three raiders, Richard Mackie was the only one who was caught after an imitation handgun with Mr Pickering’s blood on it was found in his van.

He was convicted in November of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and two offences of attempted robbery.

The 29-year-old father, of Clapham, south west London, was acquitted of robbery and possessing an imitation firearm.

Maidstone Crown Court heard the raiders knew cannabis was being grown at the site and assumed there would be cash from dealing.

Mr Pickering, his partner Lorraine Cornish, Lisa Cornish and two young children were staying at the caravan on April 3 last year.

"This was a dreadful attack on an innocent couple who have been left traumatised by what happened to them. Richard Mackie is clearly a danger to the public and belongs behind bars where he can cause no further harm..." - Sgt Richard Pringle

“They were growing their own cannabis in a shed close to the caravan,” said prosecutor John Edwards.

Lisa and the children were in bed when Lorraine and Mr Pickering heard an alarm sound in the shed.

“They went to investigate,” said Mr Edwards. “They had been warned someone was planning to rob them. Mr Pickering had a machete.

“They saw the shed door was open. Almost immediately they were surrounded by three men.”

Mackie had what appeared to be a handgun. He forced Lorraine to the ground and hit her, telling her to shut up.

The two other men attacked Mr Pickering. Mackie was shouting: “Where’s the money?” He picked up a discarded candelabra and hit Mr Pickering on the head with it, causing it to bleed profusely.

Mackie then bound him with cable ties, while the men forced their way into the caravan and ransacked it as they searched for money.

“They were clearly expecting to find a considerable quantity of cash,” said Mr Edwards.

Lisa begged the men not to tie her up because of the children. They eventually fled empty-handed.

The gun containing Mr Pickering’s DNA was found when Mackie, who denied the offences, was arrested in Lewisham on June 7. His DNA was also at the scene of the raid.

Judge Michael Carroll said: “Criminals can’t complain if victims fight back. It is not to be recommended because it can have terrible consequences to one side or the other, but it is weak mitigation to claim the victim has armed himself.”

After sentencing, Sergeant Richard Pringle said: "This was a dreadful attack on an innocent couple who have been left traumatised by what happened to them.

"Richard Mackie is clearly a danger to the public and belongs behind bars where he can cause no further harm.

"This was a painstaking investigation that involved many months of hard work, and I hope this result will come as some comfort to Mackie’s victims for the terrible ordeal he put them through."