Brutal High Street Bottle Attack Lands Man Behind Bars
In the early hours of Sunday, 23 May 2021, Callum Gabbitas unleashed a savage assault on two men in their 20s near Canterbury’s High Street. Armed with a broken beer bottle and his belt buckle, Gabbitas viciously beat one victim, leaving him with serious facial injuries.
What Sparked the Savage Brawl?
The victims were strolling with friends along Mercery Lane when they crossed paths with Gabbitas and his three companions. After a brief greeting, Gabbitas suddenly turned hostile and, joined by one of his group, launched an unprovoked attack.
- Gabbitas smashed a beer bottle across one man’s face – shattering the glass on impact.
- He then swung his belt buckle repeatedly, inflicting further damage.
- The victims tried to escape down High Street, but the assault continued until nearby door staff stepped in to stop the violence.
Blood-Stained Clothes Lead Police to Gabbitas
Police reviewed CCTV footage and traced Gabbitas leaving the scene by taxi. Officers found him still wearing clothes stained with the victim’s blood, leading to his immediate arrest on charges of grievous bodily harm with intent.
The injured man required hospital treatment for his facial injuries.
Judge Throws the Book at Brutal Attacker
Gabbitas, of Bramshaw Road, Canterbury, pleaded guilty to affray and causing grievous bodily harm with intent. On 29 October 2021 at Canterbury Crown Court, he was handed a hefty sentence of five years and seven months behind bars.
“Callum Gabbitas carried out a nasty attack and it was clear that he was intent on causing a serious injury, using not only a glass bottle but also his belt buckle to inflict damage,” said PC Samantha Lewis of Margate CID. “The victims had tried to leave the area, but it wasn’t until others intervened that the attack stopped. I am pleased the judge recognised the severity of this attack and Gabbitas’ sentence reflects that.”
