by Keith Hunt

A father has admitted shooting another man in a violent confrontation between travellers in Greenhithe.

Billy Gappy Smith, of Hillhouse Road, Stone, and his son Billy Nelson Smith, of Moorhen Walk, Greenhithe, were jointly charged with causing Alfie Harber, 50, grievous bodily harm with intent.

A judge questioned the Crown Prosecution Service's decision to accept lesser pleas of inflicting grievous bodily harm for the father and common assault on Alfred Harber, 17, for his son.

Smith senior, 42, also pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm when prohibited, having served a seven-and-a-half year jail sentence for fraud.

His not guilty pleas to having an offensive weapon, a Samurai sword, and possessing a shotgun with intent to endanger life were also accepted.

Judge Philip Statman asked the Crown to explain to him why the pleas were acceptable.

Prosecutor Jane Scotchmer said it was "an extremely difficult case" involving travelling families.

"They, in the ordinary course of things, prefer to deal with matters on an internal basis when there are grievances on issues," she said.

The murder of Dan King had led to an unpleasant feud over the years.

"There is an enormous amount of background material which undermines both the Smiths and the Harbers," said Miss Scotchmer.

"It is clear Mr Harber senior is not prepared to give full information or give names of those also present.

"There are reasons why this decision can be made. There is information I cannot divulge to this court."

Judge Statman asked: "You help me why it is not a case of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life?"

Miss Scotchmer said there were difficulties over self-defence. The Smiths were at home and had been shouting "get back" to eight men wanting a fight before Mr Harber was shot in the stomach in Moorhen Walk on August 1.

"Therefore, the Crown has accepted recklessness," she added.

Judge Statman said: "If that is the Crown's view the judge does not have the power to intervene. You are not asking me if I approve. You had better not ask me if I approve.

"The reality is, unlike when I first came to the Bar, there is not much a judge can say any more."

The maximum sentence that can now be imposed on Billy Gappy Smith is five years' imprisonment and his son six months.

Sentence was adjourned until November 3. The father was remanded in custody and his son was bailed under a tagged curfew to an address in Tunbridge Wells.