A man has been sentenced to 15 months in prison for an assault that left a fellow pub patron with a fractured skull.
William Brazil, 31, was jailed after he admitted to punching a man in his 60s outside a pub on St Peter’s Street in the early hours of Saturday, March 29, 2025. The victim, who was out with his partner and friends, fell backward and hit his head on the cobblestones.
Following the assault, Brazil fled the scene. A Kent Police investigation uncovered CCTV footage of the attack and officers released images to the public, which led to Brazil being identified and arrested on April 4 in Surrey. Messages found on Brazil’s phone showed he was aware he was wanted by police after seeing media coverage of the appeal. Brazil, from Leatherhead, Surrey, was charged with causing grievous bodily harm.
Investigating officer PC Matthew Shellaker said:
‘The victim was left with serious injuries that have required ongoing care and treatment. Evidence on William Brazil’s phone showed he was aware he was wanted for this assault, yet he chose to run and hide, rather than face up to his actions. I hope he realises now that his behaviour that night had serious repercussions for all.’