Men who took part in violent attack sentenced to 11 years combined

Two men from New Romney have been jailed for a combined 11 years following a violent aggravated burglary in Romney Marsh.

In the early hours of Tuesday 26 August 2025, two men forced their way into a home on Rectory Lane, Romney Marsh, at around 1am. The suspects entered the property to carry out a planned attack on two men who were known to them, following an ongoing dispute.

Violent attack

Gavin Power and William Hobday entered the address armed with a metal pole as a weapon and wearing face coverings to conceal their identities. They went into a bedroom where a resident was sleeping and immediately confronted him.

Power struck the victim multiple times to the forehead with the weapon. As he attempted to defend himself, Hobday restrained him by pinning his arms behind his back while the assault continued.

A second resident entered the room in an attempt to intervene but was also attacked by Power, receiving several blows to the front and back of his head. During the struggle, one victim managed to pull the face coverings from both Power and Hobday, revealing their identities.

One of the men escaped the bedroom and shouted for help from neighbouring properties. He reported seeing the two suspects flee through the garage, over a wall, and towards a dark‑coloured vehicle before disappearing from sight.

Investigation

Kent Police was called and attended the scene alongside paramedics. A full investigation was launched, and thanks to the victims’ descriptions, officers began a search for the two men.

On 26 August 2025, local officers stopped Power’s vehicle after tracking its movements. He denied entering the property but admitted being in the area. When shown a photograph of one of the balaclavas recovered from the scene, he confirmed it belonged to him but could not explain why it was found inside the property.

He was remanded in custody and was later charged with aggravated burglary.

A forensic examination of the balaclavas left at the scene identified saliva inside the mouth area and blood on the exterior. DNA analysis matched the saliva to Hobday.

On 11 September 2025, Hobday was arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary. A search of his bedroom recovered a black hoodie with distinctive writing on the back, matching clothing seen on CCTV footage. He was remanded in custody and was later charged with aggravated burglary.

Guilty

Both men later appeared before Canterbury Crown Court on 3 October 2025 where they pleaded guilty.

On 21 January 2026, they were sentenced to a combined total of 11 years’ imprisonment. Power, 41, of Rectory Lane, Romney Marsh, received six years and nine months, while Hobday, 22, of Lions Road, New Romney, received five years.

Detective Constable Rebecca Keeler said:

‘This was a violent and targeted attack that left both victims with lasting physical and emotional injuries. ‘Those who choose to inflict violence on others should know that it won’t be tolerated in Kent and officers will explore all available lines of enquiry to find them and bring them to justice.’