Man Jailed for Serious Assault After Canterbury Pub Attack

A man who carried out a violent, unprovoked assault on a fellow pub-goer in Canterbury city centre has been sentenced to 15 months in custody.

William Brazil, 31, of Chester Road, Leatherhead, Surrey, punched a man in his 60s during the early hours of Saturday, 29 March 2025, causing him to fall backwards and strike his head on the cobbled ground. The victim suffered a fractured skull and has required ongoing care and treatment since the incident.

The assault occurred on St Peter’s Street, after both men had been socialising in the same group earlier that evening.

CCTV Appeal Led to Identification

Following the attack, Brazil fled the scene. Kent Police launched an urgent investigation and released CCTV footage to the public in a bid to identify the suspect. Brazil was subsequently traced to Surrey and arrested on 4 April.

Officers recovered messages on Brazil’s phone which revealed he had seen media coverage of the police appeal and was aware he was wanted for the assault.

Brazil was charged with grievous bodily harm (GBH) and pleaded guilty at Canterbury Crown Court. On Friday, 1 August, he was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment.

Police Condemn Brazil’s Actions

Details

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.”

Kent Police praised the public for assisting with the CCTV appeal, which was vital in tracing Brazil’s whereabouts.