by Keith Hunt

Two thugs are facing jail after admitting killing a father-of-six, who was attacked outside his Ashford home.

Christopher Goldfinch and Scott Stevens denied murdering Paul Hopkins and the prosecution accepted their guilty pleas to manslaughter.

They were entered shortly before Goldfinch and Stevens, both 23, were due to stand trial on Monday.

Judge Andrew Patience QC adjourned sentence for reports until a date to be fixed soon after June 14.

Mr Hopkins, who was 32, suffered head injuries in the attack in Beecholme Drive, Kennington, on August 2 last year.

He remained in a coma at Kent and Canterbury Hospital until his death on November 23.

Anthony Prosser, prosecuting, told the judge: "The Crown accepts no weapons were used and there was no stamping. Predominantly, one is looking at punches to the head."

Mr Prosser added the victim's family had been consulted before taking the decision to accept the pleas.

Timothy Roberts, QC for Goldfinch, said the fatal blow was struck by his client with his left hand and not his right, as described by two witnesses close by.

Neither was it accepted, he said, Mr Hopkins was kicked at all or that there were three assailants, as had been suggested.

"We make it plain only a custodial term can be passed in relation to this offence," said Mr Roberts.

Goldfinch had received reprimands and a caution for common assault in the past.

Gibson Grenfell, QC, for Stevens, said his client had one reprimand for shoplifting and a warning for possessing an offensive weapon.

Stevens, of Augustus Walk, and Goldfinch, of Falcon Way, both Ashford, were remanded in custody.