Jail for man behind fatal Birchington assault

A jail term has been imposed on a man who caused fatal injuries to his victim in an assault in Birchington.

Rashko Kurtev threw a chair at Rodney Macleod during an argument outside the Seabells Fish and Chip shop in Station Road on 9 March 2024.

The chair hit Mr Macleod in the head, inflicting serious injuries which caused Mr Macleod's death in hospital on 15 April.

Kurtev, of Park Avenue, Birchington, admitted manslaughter at Canterbury Crown Court on 4 November.

Jailed

The 32 year old was brought before the same court on 15 November and jailed for three years and nine months.

Witnesses to the incident on 9 March said Mr Macleod and staff from the restaurant had got into an argument on the afternoon of the assault.

Kurtev, who was a worker at the business, came outside during the row and threw some of the victim's belongings at him.

He then threw two metal chairs at Mr Macleod, the second of which hit him in the side of his head.

Arrest

Mr Macleod fell to the ground and emergency services were called. He was taken to a local hospital before being flown to a London hospital with serious injuries.

Kurtev was arrested at the scene and later charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Mr Macleod never recovered from his injuries and died in hospital the following month. A post-mortem examination listed his traumatic brain injury among the causes of his death.

Serious consequences

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Colin McKeen said:

'This case shows the catastrophic consequences of people turning to violence during disagreements. 'One man has lost his life and another is in jail following an argument which this offender could just have walked away from. The use of a metal chair as a weapon was completely unnecessary. 'I would like to offer my condolences to the victim's family and friends. I hope the swift investigation and court proceedings help give them some sense of closure as they try to cope with their loss.'