Van driver jailed over  vicious attack outside Dover shop

A van driver from Wellingborough, Northamptonshire who left a Dover shopkeeper seriously injured following an attack in the town has been jailed.

Van driver, Kurt Collins got into an argument with a member of staff at a shop in Snargate Street on the evening of Sunday 16 September 2023 before leaving the store. The shopkeeper followed Collins outside and an altercation occurred while Collins was in his van and the shopkeeper was on the pavement.

Collins then pulled over and started damaging the shop with a metal levelling edge from the back of his van but when the member of staff confronted him again, he hit the man with the tool and a bat.

The assailant then left the scene, leaving the victim with serious head injuries which required treatment at a London hospital. Collins from Northamptonshire, was quickly identified as a suspect by officers who attended the scene and he was arrested the same evening.

Following a trial at Canterbury Crown Court, the 35-year-old was found guilty of unlawful wounding on Friday 19 April 2024 and was jailed for four years, including a two-month term for criminal damage to the shop.

Detective Constable Martin Aird, Kent Police’s investigating officer, said:

‘This was an extremely violent attack prompted by a petty argument with a man who was just doing his job.

‘Collins left the victim lying on the pavement and the consequences of the assault could have been even more serious had it not been for the work of doctors and medics.

‘I am pleased Collins was quickly arrested and has now been jailed for the assault and I hope the fact that the case has been dealt with gives the victim some reassurance as he continues his recovery.’