Man jailed for smashing glass over stranger's head

A man has been jailed for an "unprovoked and brutal assault" on a stranger in a Kent bar.

Chay Hart, of no fixed address, smashed a glass on the head of the victim at the venue in Week Street, Maidstone, at about 01:30 GMT on 5 November 2023.

The victim suffered cuts to his head and forehead and needed 18 stitches, police said. Hart fled the scene but was arrested near Bishops Way a short while later.

Hart, 34, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent and was sentenced to four years and three months in prison.

Det Con Nell Shortis of West Kent CID said: “Hart was responsible for an unprovoked and brutal assault on a victim who had dropped into a local bar for a drink.

“The incident left a man with serious head wounds and he continues to suffer the long-term effects of the attack to this day.”

The victim collapsed following the attack in which he was also kicked on the ground by Hart.

The victim did not know Hart before the unprovoked attack, police said.

Hart will spend two years on licence when released from prison.

He also pleaded guilty to assault by beating but received no separate sentence for this conviction.

Mr Shortis said: "I would like to commend the victim who has shown great courage and determination in assisting our investigation throughout."

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