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A man has been sentenced to nearly six years in prison after a horrific knife attack left his neighbour with 51 stab wounds, including a punctured lung and broken rib. The assault, stemming from an argument in a town centre block of flats, occurred in the early hours of September 1, 2024.
Haiden Tomlin, 19, was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court today, June 26, 2025, to five years and nine months’ imprisonment after being convicted of wounding with intent. He had initially faced an attempted murder charge but pleaded not guilty, claiming self-defence.
Police were called to a disturbance at the Fairmeadow building shortly before 3am. Officers arrived to find the victim slumped in a flat, suffering from extensive injuries, while Tomlin had fled the scene. The victim was rushed to hospital, where medical staff counted 51 separate stab wounds.
Further reports led officers to a man covered in blood leaving the building. An intensive search of the area ensued, and by 4:50am, Tomlin was discovered hiding in undergrowth and arrested. A discarded lock knife and multi-tool were recovered outside the flats.
Detective Constable Nell Shortis said:
‘Tomlin argued his actions were in response to also being assaulted, however the sheer number of injuries he inflicted demonstrate a brutal and ferocious attack and one which the victim was fortunate to survive. There can never be an excuse to carry weapons and any assault with a knife has the potential to end in tragedy. If you decide to carry a blade or associate with individuals that do, you put yourself at risk of being seriously injured or worse.’