Trial date set for man accused of stabbing his father 26 times in Dartford

23-year-old William Hepworth has been charged with the murder of Timothy Hepworth

Author: Stanley Murphy-Johns, Press AssociationPublished 22nd Jan 2026

A trial date has been set for a man accused of stabbing his father 26 times in the street, a court heard.

Police were called to Noreen Avenue on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent, just after 6.30pm on January 17 following reports of a serious assault.

Timothy Hepworth, 59, was confirmed dead at the scene and his son, William Hepworth, has since been charged with his murder.

The 23-year-old, also known as Bill Rock, appeared at Maidstone Crown Court on Wednesday via video-link from HMP Elmley.

"The Crown alleges that he ran up effectively in the street and stabbed his father, I think, 26 times," said Ryan Richter, prosecuting.

A provisional trial date was set for July 6 this year.

Hepworth, of Alma Road, Sheerness, was remanded in custody ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing on April 21.

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