Man who hurled rock through Thanet pub window seriously injuring woman is jailed

A man who threw a rock through the window of a Thanet pub, injuring a woman inside, has been jailed.

Stephen Gowton caused the victim serious injuries following the incident at The Hussar pub in Garlinge on the afternoon of 1 January 2023.

The 36-year-old was identified following an investigation by Thanet’s Local Policing Team and arrested two weeks later.

He was charged with and later admitted causing grievous bodily harm and criminal damage and was jailed for two years at Canterbury Crown Court on 7 March.

The victim was in the pub on the afternoon of the incident when the piece of flint thrown by Gowton smashed through the window and hit her.

Gowton ran from the scene and got into a car, which was driven away. Emergency services attended and the victim was taken to hospital for treatment.

Reckless

Gowton, of no fixed address, was named by an anonymous source and he was located and arrested on 14 January. Officers found clothes matching those seen in CCTV following his arrest.

PC Emily Reynolds, Kent Police’s investigating officer, said: ‘This was a completely reckless act, which has had a devastating impact on the victim.

‘I hope the quick resolution of the case and the sentence now imposed provide some reassurance to her as she attempts to rebuild her life.’