Two men due to be sentenced over Skype for their involvement in a park shooting will have to wait three more weeks to hear their fate.

Andrew Williams, 53, and his nephew Barry Chambers, 23, plotted to gun down a man on Westmeads Recreation Ground in Whitstable following a row over cash.

On July 7 last year, they ambushed their victim, with Williams opening fire with a 19th century pistol, hitting the 23-year-old behind his kneecap as he fled.

He admitted possession of a firearm and wounding with intent, but Chambers denied any part in the shooting.

He was convicted of conspiring to commit GBH, however, and the pair were due to be sentenced today by videolink because of coronavirus lockdown measures.

But the hearing at Maidstone Crown Court was adjourned after Chambers' solicitor, Julia Macworth, argued she could not present full mitigation.

She had hoped to read six references from prison officers detailing Chambers "exemplary behaviour" behind bars and describing him as "someone they would put a great deal of trust in".

But, working from home, she had only been sent three by email and did not have access to the others.

She told the judge: "This is a very serious case and we're not talking about a couple of months being taken off a sentence - this could make a difference of years.

"I am absolutely determined no opportunity will be missed when representing my client."

She added: "I have never heard of a legal argument conducted via Skype. I am in lockdown in my house and my client is in prison - this is why this forum doesn't work."

After much deliberation, Recorder Jeffrey Yearwood decided to permit a further adjournment.

He said: "There is no disadvantage whatsoever to the defendant by sentencing being done via electronic link. But the court was not aware of the importance of the documents.

"I would not want you or your client to think you have not been given every opportunity to put his case before the court."

Although Williams was "anxious" for the sentencing to be over, the prosecutor Paul Valder said the two defendants should be sentenced at the same time. The judge agreed.

The hearing will now take place on May 1.

The judge added: "If on May 1, those documents are not ready, I will proceed without them."

The victim in the case - who cannot be named for legal reasons - is understood to have recovered from his injuries.

Read more: All the latest news from Whitstable

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