Library image: Maidstone Crown Court
A 22-year-old man has been sentenced to over five years in prison for a violent assault in Rochester, during which he wielded a sword and carried a brick.
Cyrese Moses, of Caterham, Surrey, pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent, possession of an offensive weapon, and assault following the incident which occurred near Rochester High Street on May 12, 2023.
The chilling attack unfolded shortly after 9:30 am when Moses entered a local business armed with a sword. He chased one man from the premises, assaulting him with a brick and inflicting a minor hand injury. A second man, an acquaintance of the first victim, was then subjected to a more serious assault, suffering injuries consistent with stab wounds. He managed to escape and alert authorities.
Police and paramedics arrived at the scene, where the 19-year-old stabbing victim received treatment before being taken to a London hospital. He has since been discharged.
In a dramatic turn of events, Moses was apprehended by his first victim, with the help of members of the public, as he attempted to flee the scene. The sword used in the attack was recovered at the time of his arrest.
Moses was charged the following day and subsequently pleaded guilty to all counts. At Maidstone Crown Court on Monday, February 10, 2025, he received an extended sentence of five years and three months in custody, followed by a four-year extended license period.
Detective Constable Amy Jeffrey of Kent Police commended the swift action of the public, saying,
‘Moses is a dangerous offender who subjected his victims to a terrifying ordeal. It is right that he has been given a custodial sentence. There is no place for violence on the streets of Kent and we will always strive to bring those who would carry out such acts to justice.
‘I would particularly like to thank those members of the public who reacted quickly that day to assist the victims at the scene, and those whose evidence helped us secure Moses’ conviction and put a violent criminal behind bars’.