East Malling, Kent – A man, Alan Brook, has been sentenced to four years and six months in prison for a violent attack on a woman using a pair of garden shears. The incident occurred on September 14, 2024, when the victim was caring for Brook’s dog at her home.
The altercation escalated when Brook and the woman got into a dispute over a phone. Brook attempted to forcibly take the device from her and even aimed a catapult at her head. Despite the victim’s attempts to flee, Brook pursued her and used the garden shears to inflict multiple deep wounds on her head.
Following the assault, the victim sought help from a neighbor, but Brook followed her and stole the phone before fleeing the scene. Police later located him at a relative’s residence in Snodland, near Rochester, where he was found hiding in the bathroom.
Brook pleaded guilty to charges of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm at Maidstone Crown Court. Additionally, he faced a separate charge of robbery in connection with the stolen phone.
After being sentenced to four years and six months in prison, Brook was also issued a ten-year restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim upon his release. Detective Sergeant Mark Giles of Kent Police condemned the unprovoked attack, describing it as senseless and causing severe injuries to the victim.
Giles emphasized that Brook’s history of violent behavior and lack of remorse were alarming, expressing hope that the victim could find solace in knowing Brook had been held accountable for his actions. The assault serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing and preventing such acts of violence within communities.