MAIDSTONE – Three men have been handed prison sentences following a violent confrontation sparked by a parking dispute at the Medway Services on the M2.
The incident occurred on Saturday, February 28, 2026, when Bogdan Joja, 32, attempted to reserve a parking space adjacent to his lorry for his father, 56-year-old Traian Joja. Conflict erupted when two men in a separate heavy goods vehicle occupied the reserved space and refused to vacate it upon the elder Joja’s arrival.
Suffered Seizure
The verbal disagreement rapidly escalated into physical violence. Traian Joja pinned one of the victims against a vehicle by his throat while Bogdan Joja and a third associate, 25-year-old Simion Rafaila, delivered a series of repeated punches to the victim’s head. The victim collapsed to the ground and suffered a seizure during the assault. The second victim was also subjected to multiple strikes to his body before the three assailants fled the scene.
Both victims were subsequently treated at a local hospital for injuries including broken bones and extensive bruising. Kent Police officers attended the site and apprehended the three suspects, all of whom are Romanian nationals of no fixed address.
Appearing at Maidstone Crown Court, all three defendants entered guilty pleas to charges of affray. Bogdan Joja faced an additional charge of grievous bodily harm. On Wednesday, May 6, 2026, the court sentenced Bogdan Joja to 12 months in prison, while Traian Joja and Simion Rafaila were each sentenced to seven months’ imprisonment.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Lauren Mewett said:
‘This was a needless and violent attack on two men who had simply stopped to rest during their journey. The level of aggression shown left both victims with significant injuries and could have had even more serious consequences.
‘This case highlights how quickly situations can escalate, and we hope these sentences send a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated.’