A violent street assault in Maidstone which led to a man being stamped on and left suffering facial injuries has seen the perpetrator, Robert Fletcher, jailed for the town centre attack which happened as the victim lay defenceless outside a block of flats.
Police were called at 9.40am on 18 August 2024, to a disturbance in Lower Stone Street. Enquiries by attending officers established Fletcher had been with acquaintances when an argument started.
The victim had been lying down on a nearby wall when Fletcher suddenly approached and violently assaulted him. He later returned to stamp on his defenceless victim a second time. The man was taken to hospital and later discharged. Officers located Fletcher close to the scene and he was arrested. When he was searched a large bag of cocaine was recovered.
Fletcher, 40, of Broadway pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court to causing actual bodily harm and possessing cocaine. He also admitted a series of unrelated shoplifting offences, between September 2023 and March 2024. On 14 January 2025, Fletcher was sentenced to two years and four months’ imprisonment.
Detective Sergeant Mark Giles said:
‘Robert Fletcher attacked his victim in a fit of rage, subjecting him to a brutal and terrifying assault. It was an utterly senseless attack, which only by luck did not lead to more serious harm.
‘I have no doubt Fletcher’s actions will have an enduring and profound impact upon the victim but do also hope that the prison sentence passed by the court at least offers some reassurance that justice has now been served.’