Mark Burkett and John Thomas plead guilty to Hawks Nest home invasion

A father and son were brutally stabbed in their Hawks Nest home last year after three men stormed their property.

Two men have admitted their part in a violent home invasion, which saw an elderly man and his son brutally stabbed in their home at Hawks Nest last year.

In Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday Mark Burkett, 46, appeared via video link and John Thomas, 30, appeared in person as they both pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated enter dwelling knowing people were there.

Mr Burkett also pleaded guilty to a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company of others.

But the main offender is alleged to be Mr Burkett’s son, 22-year-old Kyle Burkett — both from Gosford — who is the one accused of stabbing the two men during the frenzied attack.

Mark Burkett (left), Kyle Burkett (middle) and John Thomas (right) charged over home invasion at Hawks Nest. Facebook

His matters were also mentioned in court on Wednesday where his solicitor said it was likely his client would plead not guilty and head to trial over charges including specially aggravated enter dwelling with intent to wound, aggravated enter dwelling knowing persons were there and reckless wounding.

He’ll return to court on May 5.

Police facts said 78-year-old Philip Hughes opened the door of his Booner St home at around 10.30pm on June 29, when he was confronted by three unknown men, who pushed past him before he was assaulted and stabbed in the abdomen.

A 53-year-old man was also assaulted upstairs and while he attempted to flee, he was stabbed in the back. He was stabbed a further seven times in the back and neck.

Booner St, Hawks Nest where a father and son were stabbed in their home. Picture: Google Maps

Police said the trio stole a purse and car keys from a 40-year-old woman, before fleeing on foot.

A neighbour told The Newcastle News at the time, he heard ‘screams’ and someone yell ‘call the police’ coming from the Hawks Nest home.

The 53-year-old had to be flown to John Hunter Hospital following the attack, before undergoing surgery for eight stab wounds.

The older man also suffered a stab wound and head injuries. Both men were able to recover from their injuries.

The fourth person charged, Megan Elizabeth Bowater pleaded guilty to aggravated enter dwelling knowing people were there. She will be sentenced in Newcastle District Court next week.

Kyle Burkett also pleaded not guilty to two firearm offences and two drug possession charges which will head back to Gosford Local Court for a hearing.