Strangler jailed after Chatham assault

A woman who was strangled during a brutal assault in Chatham has seen her attacker jailed.

Kent Police was called to a petrol station after a woman fled a private property following a violent incident in the early hours of 13 February 2026.

The woman divulged to officers that a man she knew, Charlie Stefano, had grabbed her twice by the throat, once as he dragged her across a floor and held her over a staircase.

He had also kicked her, causing swelling to her ankle, and snapped her phone in half. The victim had managed to escape the address when Stefano was distracted and concerned members of the public had called the police on her behalf.

Stefano, of Horse Bridge Road, Dagenham, London was tracked down and arrested later the same day.

Court

The 35-year-old was charged and pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court to intentional strangulation and causing actual bodily harm. Two further charges of criminal damage and engaging in coercive and controlling behaviour were ordered to lie on file.

On Tuesday 18 August, Stefano was sentenced to 2 years and 10 months in prison and was handed a 6-year restraining order.

Detective Sergeant Leighton Prior said:

‘A woman has been left traumatised by Stefano’s actions and I hope the prison sentence and restraining order can bring her some closure. ‘I would like to commend her courage in supporting his prosecution and ensuring a man who is a clear danger to women is now behind bars.’