A 49-year-old man has been sentenced to four years and six months in prison after a brutal attack on a woman in East Malling last September which left her with appalling injuries. Alan Brook, formerly of an address in East Malling, inflicted deep head wounds on the victim using garden shears following a dispute over a mobile phone.
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Alan Brook Image: Kent Police
The court heard that Brook went to the victim’s home on September 14, 2024, as she was caring for his dog. After attempting to snatch the woman’s phone, Brook initially launched a catapult projectile at her head, which missed.
As the victim fled the property, Brook seized a pair of garden shears and struck her head multiple times. The injured woman managed to reach a neighbour’s house for safety, but Brook pursued her, forcibly taking the phone from the neighbour before fleeing the scene.
Brook subsequently changed his clothes nearby before seeking refuge at a relative’s home in Snodland. Police officers tracked him to the address and discovered him hiding in a toilet. The victim was taken to hospital to receive treatment for her multiple injuries.
At Maidstone Crown Court on Wednesday, April 16, Brook pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. A charge of robbery related to the phone was ordered to lie on file. In addition to the custodial sentence, Brook was also issued with a ten-year restraining order, prohibiting any contact with the victim upon his release from prison.
Detective Sergeant Mark Giles said:
‘This was a senseless and entirely unprovoked attack which left the victim suffering some appalling injuries. Brook tried to stab her in the head multiple times and could easily have killed her.
‘He has a history of violent offending and has shown no indication of any remorse. I only hope the victim can take some comfort and reassurance now Brook has been sentenced.’