A man who launched a violent and unprovoked attack on a woman with a pair of garden shears in East Malling has been jailed for more than four years.

Alan Brook, 49, formerly of Temple Way, East Malling, was sentenced to four years and six months in prison at Maidstone Crown Court on Wednesday, 16 April. The sentence follows a horrific assault that left the victim with deep lacerations to her head.

The attack took place on 14 September 2024, when Brook visited the woman’s home, where she had been looking after his dog. A dispute over a mobile phone quickly escalated when Brook fired a catapult towards the victim’s head, narrowly missing her.

As the woman fled the property in fear, Brook armed himself with a pair of garden shears and pursued her, striking her in the head multiple times. She managed to escape to a neighbour’s house, but Brook followed her there as well, seizing the phone before fleeing the scene.

Brook later travelled to a nearby location to change clothes before heading to a relative’s home in Snodland. Police tracked him down and arrested him after finding him hiding in the bathroom. The victim was taken to hospital and treated for multiple head injuries.

Brook pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. A second charge of robbery relating to the stolen phone was ordered to lie on file.

In addition to his prison sentence, Brook has been issued a 10-year restraining order, prohibiting any contact with the victim upon his release.

Detective Sergeant Mark Giles described the attack as “senseless and entirely unprovoked,” adding:

“Brook tried to stab her in the head multiple times and could easily have killed her. He has a history of violent offending and has shown no indication of any remorse. I only hope the victim can take some comfort and reassurance now Brook has been sentenced.”

Police have praised the bravery of the victim and the swift response of officers in locating and arresting Brook.

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