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Smith family deny trying to kill four at Stockbury Valley traveller site

A father, his son and a nephew have denied trying to kill four people at a traveller site in Kent.

William Smith Snr, 53, William Smith Jnr, 29, and 22-year-old Eli Smith appeared at Maidstone Crown Court.

They all pleaded not guilty to four charges of attempted murder, one of arson with intent to endanger life and one of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Smoke rising at the scene. Picture: Tori Russon (1816543)
Smoke rising at the scene. Picture: Tori Russon (1816543)

The court was told all the parties are known to each other.

It is alleged they tried to kill Brian Smith Snr, Mary Matthews, Wester Smith and Paige Taylor at the Stockbury Valley traveller site just off the A249 near Sittingbourne on May 5.

The three were arrested after a static caravan belonging to Brian Smith was allegedly set alight on the same date.

Smith Snr, Smith Jnr - both of Miller Close, Kemsley, near Sittingbourne - and Eli Smith, of Lewis Close, Faversham, appeared in court via a TV link with HMP Elmley.

Smith Jnr could be seen using two crutches and Judge David Griffith-Jones QC was told he suffers from a medical condition and has a broken leg and ankle.

However no details as to how or when the injuries were caused were revealed during the brief plea and trial preparation hearing.

All three denied the six offences, with Smith Jnr telling the court each time he entered his plea that he was 'Definitely not guilty'.

All gave their nationalities as English.

Their trial was fixed to start on October 29 and is expected to last seven to 10 days.

Prosecutor Iestyn Morgan said there was no CCTV footage of the incident but police body-worn camera footage and 999 calls may be shown in court.

The three men were remanded in custody by Judge Griffith-Jones until a pre-trial review on October 8.

A bail application for Smith Jnr was refused.

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