A 31-year-old woman has been sentenced to four years in prison following a violent and unprovoked knife attack on a Maidstone street. Chelsea Dunn used a kitchen knife to repeatedly stab another woman in the early hours of November 7, 2024, near Sutton Road.
The two women had reportedly met to exchange cigarettes when Dunn suddenly produced a large knife and launched her assault. Following the attack, Dunn fled on foot, leaving her victim to raise the alarm. The injured woman was subsequently taken to hospital for treatment of multiple wounds.
Police swiftly responded to the incident, leading to Dunn’s arrest at her nearby home. During questioning, Dunn admitted the assault was connected to her cocaine misuse, although she denied being under the influence of drugs at the time of the incident.
Dunn was charged with wounding with intent and possession of a knife in a public place. She entered a guilty plea at Maidstone Crown Court. On May 23, 2025, she was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment, with an additional two-year extended license period.
Detective Constable James Kersey said:
‘Dunn knew the victim and she met her on the pretence of sharing some cigarettes but was secretly carrying a knife which she suddenly produced to carry out a sustained and terrifying attack.
‘The victim was left in genuine fear for her life. As well as the lifelong physical scars, this unprovoked assault has had a huge psychological impact on her wellbeing and ability to feel safe.
‘There is never an excuse for carrying a knife and the public are all too aware, as are we, that the impact of knife crime can often be devastating.’I do hope the victim can take comfort and reassurance now that Dunn has been jailed, and that when she does eventually get released she will also be subject to a ten-year restraining order’.