Maidstone, UK – A 49-year-old man has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison after a violent assault involving garden shears in East Malling, Kent. Alan Brook attacked a woman who had been caring for his dog, resulting in severe injuries.
The incident unfolded on September 14, 2024, when a dispute over a mobile phone escalated dangerously. Brook attempted to take the phone from the woman and subsequently launched an attack with a catapult before resorting to using a pair of garden shears as a weapon.
Despite the victim’s efforts to escape, Brook pursued her, continuing the attack and inflicting multiple deep lacerations to her head. The assault ended when the victim managed to reach a neighbor’s house for safety, but not before Brook followed her inside and forcefully took the mobile phone from her possession.
Authorities were able to apprehend Brook at a relative’s home in nearby Snodland after he attempted to evade police by changing his attire. He was found hiding in a bathroom at the residence.
At Maidstone Crown Court, Brook pled guilty to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The court also processed a charge of robbery related to the incident involving the phone. As part of his sentencing on April 16, Brook is subject to a ten-year restraining order preventing any contact with the victim post-release.
Detective Sergeant Mark Giles of the Kent Police expressed his dismay over the case, describing the attack as “senseless and entirely unprovoked,” highlighting the gravity and potential lethality of Brook’s actions. Giles noted Brook’s history of violent offenses and lack of remorse.
This sentencing seeks to provide the victim with some measure of reassurance and closure, as she continues to recover from the “appalling injuries” suffered during the assault. The community and local authorities hope this serves as a deterrent to potential offenders and reassures residents about community safety and the consequences of engaging in violent behavior.