Violent thief assaulted man at Maidstone bus stop

A violent thief has been jailed after assaulting a man at a Maidstone bus stop before stealing his phone.

Damien McCann attacked his victim from behind, repeatedly punching and kicking him and causing several injuries which included a fractured tooth. 

The unprovoked assault happened during the evening of 5 January 2020.

The victim was known to McCann, who approached him as he waited at a bus station near Pad’s Hill.

He was initially struck from behind and fell to the floor. McCann punched and kicked the victim’s head and face as he lay helpless on the ground. He then stole a phone from his jacket and fled on foot.

Trial

In the weeks that followed, McCann, of Brompton Lane, Strood, was arrested and charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and robbery.

He pleaded not guilty at Maidstone Crown Court but was convicted following a trial.

On 9 September 2024, the 28-year-old was sentenced to two years and nine months’ imprisonment.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Mark Giles, said:

‘McCann was responsible for a truly cowardly assault, and he has demonstrated little remorse by denying the charges and forcing the victim to relive the experience in court. ‘The sentence imposed reflects the viciousness of McCann’s attack and I hope it brings some comfort and reassurance to the victim and his family.’