Man jailed for stabbing former friend in Chatham

A man has been jailed after he admitted stabbing a former friend over the sale of a car in Chatham.

James Coffield of Albany Road, Gillingham, saw the victim walking along Upbury Way in Chatham when he accused him of owing him money for a car.

The two men began arguing before Coffield used a screwdriver to stab the man three times in his shoulder, arm and chest.

Coffield then fled the scene during the incident which happened at around 8am on 13 October 2018, leaving his former friend of more than 20 years, with injuries which needed medical assistance.

The 40-year-old was arrested by investigating officers on 20 October 2018 and later charged with Grievous Bodily Harm with Intent.

He appeared before Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday 12 January 2023 where he was sentenced to three years and 10 months in jail. The sentence was reduced to three years and four months to take into account an earlier guilty plea.

He was also handed a restraining order to prevent him from contacting the victim and ordered to pay court costs.

Investigating officer, Nick Gellett, said: ‘This was an opportunistic assault which saw Coffield inflict serious injuries on a man he knew. This was a senseless attack over a small debt of money and it was only sheer luck that the injuries inflicted did not cause more harm than they did.

‘I’d like to take this opportunity to praise the victim for his bravery in supporting this case and facing Coffield in court, without his support this case would have been difficult to progress and Coffield would have likely not been held accountable for his despicable actions and behaviour.’