A 32-year-old man has been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for a horrific assault in Strood, during which he bit off a portion of another man’s ear. Louis Carter from Belvedere, London, was found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent following a trial at Woolwich Crown Court.
The disturbing incident occurred on February 28, 2022, as the victim was leaving Strood railway station via an underpass to Station Road. While on his mobile phone with his children, he was accosted by Carter, a stranger to him, who began with verbal abuse that quickly escalated into threats as they walked towards Commercial Road.
Fearing an imminent attack, the victim preemptively punched Carter in self-defence. Carter fell to the ground, but upon rising, a violent struggle ensued. In a horrific act, Carter bit the victim’s ear, tearing off a significant piece. He then fled the scene.
Crucially, the incident was partially captured on mobile phone footage by two children, which, combined with CCTV from the railway station, proved instrumental in identifying Carter as the perpetrator. Members of the public recovered the severed portion of the victim’s ear and placed it on ice, though it is unclear if it was able to be reattached. The victim received hospital treatment for his injury.
Carter was arrested on May 18th and subsequently charged. He denied the offence, leading to the trial. On Thursday, February 6, 2025, he was handed an extended 12-year sentence, comprising seven and a half years in custody and a further four and a half years on licence upon his eventual release.
Investigating officer, PC Alex Powell, said:
‘This was an appalling and unprovoked assault on a man who was speaking to his family on the phone, having just left the station. The victim sought to avoid a confrontation but Carter seemed determined to be aggressive and ultimately inflicted a disfiguring injury on his target.’
‘The assault has had a significant impact on the victim who has been nervous when leaving home and travelling to work. He has shown great fortitude in assisting us during the investigation and I would like to thank him and the other witnesses who have ensured this violent man has been brought to justice.’