by Mary Graham

Relatives of a murdered dad of five burst into tears as his brother appeared in court charged with his murder.

Bill Treeby, 49, of Queen Street, Paddock Wood, appeared before Maidstone Magistrates on Saturday morning.

He is charged with murdering Jack Treeby, 43, from Rainham, who died in an incident in Quarry Road, Maidstone. He is the fourth person to be charged with murder.

Bill Treeby’s sons, Billy 29, and George 22, and their mother, Charity Treeby, 50, all of Queen Street, Paddock Wood, have already been charged with murder and remanded in custody.

All four have also been charged with the attempted murder of Gary Treeby, 39, who is still in hospital recovering from gunshot wounds.

Jack, Gary and Bill Treeby are brothers and Billy and George Treeby are Jack and Gary Treeby’s nephews.

At a short hearing at Maidstone Magistrates Court on Saturday, Bill Treeby, dressed head to toe in black, spoke only to confirm his name and address.

Magistrates remanded him in custody and he is due to appear at crown court on January 18. The same date has been set for his wife and sons to appear.

Relatives of Jack Treeby were in court and sobbed as Bill Treeby was led back into the custody area.