Jail sentence following Canterbury stabbing

A prison sentence has been imposed on a man who left his victim with life-threatening injuries following a stabbing in Canterbury.

On 20 February 2026, Callum Sands carried out an unprovoked knife attack on a stranger. The victim, a man in his 30s, had been involved in a physical altercation in the High Street earlier in the evening with Ashley Atkins.

Around 20 minutes later, Atkins reappeared on Canterbury High Street now accompanied by Sands. They encountered the victim again near Westgate and both produced knives.

Attack

The victim was chased to St Peter's Roundabout, where he was stabbed multiple times. The two men then fled the scene, and the victim was found a short time later by students, who alerted the emergency services. He attended a local hospital for treatment and has since been discharged.

Detectives immediately launched an investigation, reviewing extensive CCTV footage throughout the city and seizing evidence for forensic examination. Sands was quickly identified as a suspect and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Arrested

Just hours later, officers located Sands at an address in Canterbury, where he attempted to evade arrest by hiding beneath a bed. He was arrested and later charged with grievous bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon.

Despite pleading not guilty, Sands was convicted of both charges following a four day trial at Canterbury Crown Court. On Tuesday 27 October 2026, he was sentenced at the same court to 8 years in prison with a further 2 years on licence.

Atkins was sentenced to five years and three months' imprisonment at the same court in August 2026.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Charlotte Dilks said:

‘My team worked tirelessly, reviewing footage from numerous cameras across the city to capture the offence and identify those responsible for this violent attack. Officers were able to identify Sands by reviewing previous interactions on body-worn video where he was found to be wearing the same clothing as the night of the attack. The communication and sharing of information with other departments enabled the prompt arrest of both Sands and Atkins.

‘I am pleased that Sands has now been held accountable and faces the consequences of his unprovoked, violent actions. I would also like to take a moment to thank the members of the public who stepped in to help and the swift response of the ambulance service.’