A woman has been convicted of murder after fatally stabbing a man outside a pub in Maidstone. Stephanie Langley was found guilty of the murder of 52-year-old Matthew Bryant in an unprovoked attack.

The tragic incident occurred around 6 p.m. on Monday, 11 September 2023, on Lower Boxley Road. Maidstone Crown Court heard that just 20 minutes before the fatal attack, Langley had driven to the Hare and Hounds public house, where she argued with Mr Bryant.

Following the altercation, Langley left the pub and drove to Maidstone East train station. She retrieved a large kitchen knife from her car before returning to the scene of the argument.

Mr Bryant was outside the pub, speaking to emergency operators about the earlier dispute when Langley returned. She approached him, knocking the phone from his hand. As Mr Bryant bent down to retrieve his phone, Langley stabbed him twice in the back before delivering a fatal blow to his chest.

Kent Police officers swiftly arrested Langley at the scene. Two days later, Langley, residing on Wilsons Lane, East Farleigh, was charged with murder and possessing a knife in a public place.

During the trial at Maidstone Crown Court, Langley denied the murder charge but pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon. However, on Wednesday, 1 May 2024, she was convicted of Mr Bryant’s murder.

Langley remains in custody, and a sentencing date at the same court has been scheduled for 7 May.

Detective Constable Hannah Crittenden, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, commented on the case, saying, “Matthew Bryant was a much-loved husband and popular landlord, and his murder was carried out in cold blood by a calculating offender. Langley set about carrying out a violent and unprovoked attack on her victim, in broad daylight in front of horrified customers, with little regard to the consequences.” She also expressed gratitude to witnesses who assisted in the investigation