A violent offender who used his car as a weapon to target a member of the public during a brutal rampage in Dartford has been jailed for more than five years.
Connor Appleton, 27, was sentenced to five years and one month in prison at Woolwich Crown Court on Thursday 4 June 2026, following a series of violent incidents in Spital Street on 25 November 2023.
The violence erupted at around 3.30am when Appleton, who was driving through the area, became involved in a dispute with a group of passing women. As the argument escalated, Appleton got out of his vehicle armed with a metal bar and approached the group. He then struck his first victim over the head, causing her to collapse to the ground. When nearby members of the public bravely tried to intervene, Appleton swung the metal bar towards them.
Following the initial assault, Appleton returned to his car and drove it aggressively, deliberately turning the vehicle towards a man on foot and striking him. Both victims sustained injuries that required urgent medical attention and were transported to a local hospital. Police officers tracked Appleton to his home address in Rochester, where he was arrested at around 5.30am that same morning.
Appleton was subsequently charged with driving a motor vehicle dangerously, affray, attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, possession of an offensive weapon, and inflicting grievous bodily harm. He pleaded guilty to all offences prior to his sentencing.