Predator Pounced on Woman in Maidstone Night Attack
A man who stalked and attacked a lone woman after a night out in Maidstone has been locked up. Christopher Hatcher jumped the victim as she walked home from the town centre but fled after she fought back.
Attack in Bower Place Ends in Struggle
The terrifying assault unfolded around 11.45pm on 29 March 2019. The woman was on the phone to a friend when Hatcher suddenly grabbed her from behind, covering her mouth with his hands.
She fought back hard, landing a punch to Hatcher’s groin. He stumbled and both crashed to the ground. Spooked, Hatcher bolted.
Quick Police Work Brings Predator to Justice
Hatcher was caught just hours later. He’d broken licence conditions from a previous sentence and was promptly recalled to prison.
Forensic tests on his jumper found the victim’s DNA on the cuffs, cementing the case against him.
Jail Sentence for Attempted Robbery
The 36-year-old from Tonbridge Road, Maidstone, admitted following the woman. He denied any sexual motive, claiming he planned to steal her phone to fund a booze binge.
At Maidstone Crown Court, Hatcher pleaded guilty to attempted robbery. He was sentenced on 23 September 2020 to four years behind bars. He must serve two-thirds before parole and faces an additional three-year extended licence.
“This was a premeditated incident in which Hatcher identified a lone and vulnerable woman and targeted her in a secluded area,” said Detective Constable Ellen Cox of the West Kent Vulnerability Investigation Team.
“The victim’s quick thinking scared her attacker away. Her courage and detailed description helped us swiftly identify and arrest him.”
