A man has been jailed for murdering an acquaintance in front of children at a family home in Kent.

Sean Maher, 21, of Canterbury Road, Margate, denied murder, claiming he was not responsible for the five wounds inflicted on Darren Turner.

But he was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 14 years in jail when he appeared at Maidstone Crown Court this afternoon, less the 215 days he spent on remand.

The incident happened just before 9.15pm on March 31 after a fight spiralled out of control. Mr Turner was found alive, but in a serious condition.

The court heard that it happened at the four-bedroom detached home of Karen Moore in Wilderness Hill.

Maher's father Terry and Mr Turner, 36, were fighting when Maher went to the kitchen, took a knife from a drawer and plunged it into the victim's back, chest and neck.

Senior investigating officer DCI Maria Shepherd said: "Despite the best efforts of police and paramedics, who administered first aid, and staff at the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital, Darren Turner, lost his life.

"The man responsible was Sean Maher. He ran from the scene and tried to cover his actions by discarding his clothes.

"Witnesses stated the fight had been the result of a worthless argument, but the presence of a knife, added to the consumption of alcohol, turned a scuffle into murder which has devastated so many lives.

"One of the most distressing facts about this case is that there were young children in that address that night. One, a very brave 11-year-old girl, called police pleading for help while the fight was going on."

The parents of Mr Turner said in a statement: " Darren was happy-go-lucky and enjoyed life to the full. He had many friends and this has devastated them as well.

"His only sister, brother-in-law and his two young nephews have found it very hard to come to terms with Darren's loss and cannot believe they will not see him again.

"We, as parents, find everyday life very tough and cannot believe we will not see Darren again.

"Whatever the outcome of this trial the defendant will still have a full life ahead of him. This is what we have been denied by him and we find it hard to come to terms with Darren's death."