Sentence has been delayed on six men involved in a “ferocious” gang attack with weapons during an argument about barking dogs.

Joseph King, his sons Joseph junior, William and Danny, Jimmy Price and Abraham Rossiter expected to learn their fate at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday.

But sentence could not go ahead because Judge Philip St John-Stevens, who is dealing with the case, was not available. It will now be heard on September 25.

The clash between two families on land in Hook Lane, Hucking, on November 25 last year led to serious injuries being caused with machetes, a hammer and a golf club.

John Friend, his wife Tracey and daughter Charlene suffered serious harm including wounds and fractured skulls.

Joseph King junior admitted one offence of wounding with intent and two of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, Danny King, Price and Rossiter admitted violent disorder, Joseph King senior admitted two offences of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and he and William King admitted one offence of wounding with intent.

“I understand the frustration of the defendants. That being said, I want to ensure justice is being done” - Judge St John-Stevens

Joseph King senior, 38, Joseph King junior, 20, Daniel King, 18, all of New Road, Ditton, William King, 19, Rossiter, both of Medina Road, Ditton, and Price, 20, of Stockett Lane, Coxheath, have all been remanded in custody.

Judge Philip Statman said: “I understand the frustration of the defendants.

“All of them want to know what their fate is going to be.

“I have a degree of sympathy with that. That being said, I want to ensure justice is being done.”

Judge St John-Stevens, he said, was sitting at Canterbury Crown Court and it was important that he passed the sentence.