A man has been jailed for more than eight years following a violent assault in Maidstone which left his victim suffering critical head injuries.

The assault took place last year in a town centre park, where Hamdi Braiek repeatedly stamped on the head of a man as he lay unconscious.

Braeik - desktop
Hamdi Braiek

The victim had initially encountered Braiek in Week Street during the evening of 30 May 2021, where Braiek was challenged over offensive remarks he made concerning how a woman was dressed. 

The dispute escalated and led to the victim being pursued into Brenchley Gardens, where Braiek tackled him to the ground. He punched the man and placed him into a choke hold.

Beaten while unconscious

As the victim lay unconscious, Braiek then stamped on his head several times. He eventually ran from the scene as onlookers shouted to raise the alarm.

The victim, aged in his 30s, was rushed to a London hospital, suffering bleeds to the brain. He was critically injured and placed into an induced coma.

Braiek was arrested on 2 June, after he was identified by a town centre PCSO as a person matching the description of the suspect.

Investigation and trial

An investigation linked him to three further assaults in the town.

Two of these – against a man and woman in Fremlin Walk – took place on the same day as the Brenchley Gardens assault.

Another victim reported being beaten on 28 May in Hart Street, close to where Braiek lived.

CCTV image of Braiek
Braiek – sentenced to eight years and three months’ imprisonment

Braiek was charged with attempted murder and a trial took place at Maidstone Crown Court.

The 34-year-old was found not guilty but convicted instead of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, which he had having previously admitted. He also pleaded guilty to two counts of battery.

On Monday 6 June 2022, Braiek was sentenced to eight years and three months’ imprisonment.

He will have to serve at least two thirds of the sentence before he can be considered for parole. 

Devastating injuries

Detective Sergeant Jamie Webb, of West Kent CID, said: ‘Hamdi Braiek was responsible for a brutal assault which has caused devastating and life changing injuries to his victim, who is sadly no longer able to work and remains in need of constant care.

‘Our investigation has shown that Braiek was also the perpetrator of several other incidents of wanton acts of violence in Maidstone. He is an offender who has demonstrated little if any remorse for his actions, and who has made excuses for his savage behaviour by blaming others.

‘Today’s sentence will at least ensure Braiek no longer poses a threat within our communities.’  

By Ed

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