Herne Bay, UK — Two men were sentenced to prison this week for a brutal assault in Herne Bay that resulted in serious injuries, including a fractured skull for one victim. The violent incident occurred on the High Street in the early hours of March 3, following a previous altercation at a local venue.
Police responded to the scene after receiving reports that a man and a woman had been attacked by two individuals previously unknown to them. The male victim suffered extensive injuries, including brain swelling, a skull fracture, and a broken nose. The female victim was treated for facial injuries.
According to authorities, after initially dispersing post-altercation, the victims were confronted by the attackers who arrived in a white van. Emergency services treated both victims at the scene before transporting them to a nearby hospital for further care. They were subsequently released to continue recovery at home.
Investigations led by detectives from East Kent CID quickly identified the assailants as Patrick Holmes and John Hazelgrove, both 29 years of age. They were arrested within days of the attack. Facing charges of intending to cause grievous bodily harm and actual bodily harm, both men pleaded guilty.
The case was brought to a close at the Canterbury Crown Court with both Holmes and Hazelgrove receiving four-year jail terms each. Holmes is a resident of Clarendon Street in Herne Bay, while Hazelgrove was reported to have no fixed address at the time of the incident.
Detective Constable Georgie Taker of East Kent CID commented on the case, emphasizing the severity of the assault. “Holmes and Hazelgrove are violent offenders whose actions that night had a devastating impact on their victims,” Taker stated. “The sentencing delivers justice and I hope it brings some closure to the victims and their families.”
She further asserted the commitment of local law enforcement to maintaining public safety. “There is no place for violence on the streets of Kent,” Taker declared. “We will continue to enforce the law vigorously to ensure our community remains a safe environment for residents and visitors alike.”
The incident has raised concerns in the local community about safety on their streets, especially during night hours. Local officials are in discussions about potential measures to enhance security and prevent such incidents in the future.