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A 19-year-old man has been jailed after stabbing his neighbour more than 50 times in a brutal knife attack at a block of flats in Maidstone town centre.
Haiden Tomlin, who lived in the same building as the victim, was sentenced to five years and nine months’ imprisonment at Maidstone Crown Court on Wednesday, 26 June. The sentence follows a violent confrontation inside a flat on Fairmeadow in the early hours of 1 September 2024.
Victim Survives 51 Stab Wounds
Police were called shortly before 3am to reports of a disturbance. On arrival, officers found the victim slumped inside a flat with 51 stab wounds, including a punctured lung and broken rib. He was rushed to hospital and miraculously survived the assault.
Tomlin had fled the scene before police arrived, but was located at 4.50am hiding in undergrowth nearby. A lock knife and multi-tool believed to have been used in the attack were recovered outside the building.
Trial and Conviction
Tomlin denied attempted murder, claiming he acted in self-defence, but was convicted of an alternative charge of wounding with intent after a trial.
At sentencing, the judge took into account the severity of injuries and the fact that the victim narrowly survived.
Police Statement
Detective Constable Nell Shortis of Kent Police said:
"Tomlin argued his actions were in response to also being assaulted, however the sheer number of injuries he inflicted demonstrate a brutal and ferocious attack and one which the victim was fortunate to survive.
"There can never be an excuse to carry weapons and any assault with a knife has the potential to end in tragedy. If you decide to carry a blade or associate with individuals that do, you put yourself at risk of being seriously injured or worse."
Public Safety Message
The case serves as a stark warning about the dangers of knife crime. Kent Police continues to urge residents to report anyone suspected of carrying a weapon by calling 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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