Brutal Late-Night Dartford Attack Lands Two in Prison
Alex Griffith and Alfie Clarke launched a savage unprovoked attack on two men in Dartford after a night out in July 2019. The victims, totally unknown to the pair, were left battered in a terrifying early-morning assault.
Fury on the Streets of Dartford
The ugly attack unfolded at around 3.45am on July 19, 2019, in Hythe Street, shortly after Griffith and Clarke left a nightclub. The duo, loitering in the town centre, targeted two men in their 30s who were simply sitting on a bench enjoying a kebab.
Despite the victims clearly stating they did not want trouble, Griffith launched into a furious barrage of punches, knocking one man unconscious with a brutal blow to the back of the head. Clarke then punched the other victim in the face before joining in to kick the first victim repeatedly while he lay motionless.
An onlooker briefly intervened, forcing the attackers to pause, as members of the public rushed to give first aid to the seriously injured man. Undeterred, Griffith and Clarke turned their wrath back on the second victim, throwing him to the ground and kicking him before fleeing at the sight of police blue lights.
Serious Injuries and Swift Justice
- The first victim suffered a broken jaw in two places plus a broken nose and needed hospital treatment in London.
- The second victim was treated locally for facial bruising.
- Within a month, CCTV footage and witness accounts led to the rapid identification and arrest of Griffith and Clarke.
Griffith, aged 20 from Swanscombe, was sentenced to five years and six months after admitting grievous bodily harm with intent and actual bodily harm, including a previous assault in October 2018. Clarke, 19 from Dartford, received four years and nine months after admitting similar charges.
Detective Slams ‘Cowardly’ Attack
“Griffith and Clarke have demonstrated a clear propensity for violence and left a man with serious injuries,” said Detective Constable Martin Stevens.
“Their repeated kicking of someone unconscious and unable to defend themselves is beyond cowardly. Their intent was to inflict as much harm as possible.
“It is only by good fortune no one suffered more debilitating or fatal injuries. Custodial sentences are entirely appropriate, and I hope this brings closure to the victims.”
