A biker has been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for a violent assault outside a pub in Maidstone that left his victim with serious head injuries.
James Anderson, 46, of Grainger Walk, Tonbridge, attacked a man outside the Market House pub in Earl Street in the early hours of 4 August 2024.
The Incident
The victim, aged 50, had approached a group of men that Anderson was standing with and engaged in conversation. Without provocation, Anderson headbutted and punched the victim to the ground before striking him with a pint glass and stamping on him five times. The assault rendered the victim unconscious, leaving him with serious injuries.
Kent Police were called to the scene at 12:22am, and Anderson fled in an attempt to evade capture. However, officers arrested him the same day. He was charged within 24 hours with wounding with intent and was remanded into custody.
Court Proceedings
Anderson pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court on 25 September 2024. On Thursday, 16 January 2025, the court sentenced him to seven and a half years in prison.
Police Statement
Detective Constable Ashleigh Fell, the investigating officer, described the assault as a “violent and unprovoked attack” that took place during what should have been a celebratory occasion.
“Anderson launched a violent and unprovoked attack on the victim, which rendered him unconscious and left him with serious injuries,” DC Fell said.
The detective also highlighted Anderson’s lack of remorse, noting his failure to seek medical help for the injured man.
“I am pleased the judge chose to impose a lengthy custodial sentence to reflect the severity and impact of the assault. It also offers our community reassurance that people like Anderson will be unable to inflict harm on others for the foreseeable future,” she added.
Community Impact
The sentence brings some closure to the case and serves as a warning about the consequences of such violent behavior. The ruling reflects the severity of Anderson’s actions and underscores the commitment of Police and the judiciary to protecting the public.
