Canterbury machete attack ends in jail sentences

Two men have been jailed after carrying out a knife attack at a football match in Canterbury. 

On Sunday 5 April 2026, a game was about to take place on Littlebourne Road when two masked men riding a moped approached the perimeter of the grounds and started a confrontation with a number of people attending.

Sean Bayley and Malcolm Baltazar assaulted two men before leaving the scene, making threats that they would return. Less than 10 minutes later, they returned on their moped, this time armed with a machete.

Knife attack

The two victims of the assault were stood at the side of the pitch with their team waiting to start the game when Bayley and Baltazar approached them again. Bayley pulled out a small knife and Baltazar pulled out a machete style knife and proceeded to stab one of the men he had confronted previously as he tried to escape.

The victim attended a London hospital for treatment to serious injuries and has since been discharged.

The victims and suspects were not previously known to each other.

Patrols attended the scene, however the suspects had fled immediately after the assault. An investigation was launched and officers carried out extensive CCTV enquiries. Analysis of footage enabled officers to track the movements of the moped used in the attack. Enquiries led officers to identify Bayley and Baltazar as the suspects.

On the same day, search warrants were conducted at Bayley’s home. Although he was not present, officers located a Canada Goose coat matching the coat seen in the CCTV footage, and a bike helmet. The vehicle used in the crime was also discovered concealed in a nearby street, along with a helmet matching that worn by Baltazar in the CCTV images.

The following day, Bayley handed himself in at Canterbury police station following the continued police presence at his home and associated addresses. Baltazar was arrested the following week at his home.

Charged

Both men were charged and later pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon and attempting to cause grievous bodily harm.

On Monday 5 October 2026, they were sentenced to a combined 6 years in prison at Canterbury Crown Court. Bayley, 20, of Sobraon Way, Canterbury, was sentenced to 2 years and 4 months in prison. Baltazar, 23, of Ellisons Walk, Canterbury, was sentenced to 4 years in prison.

Investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Evie Baker said:

‘This was a random and completely unprovoked attack that has had a life changing impact on the young victims and the multiple people who witnessed it. ‘Some people who carry knives say they feel safer with them or that they carry them for protection. But it is more likely that if you carry a knife, you will either get seriously hurt or be arrested. The prison sentences handed down by the court in this case serve as a reminder that those who choose to carry and use these weapons can expect to face justice.’