Gabriel Calin has been slammed with over six years behind bars after fleeing abroad to dodge arrest for a vicious attack.
Late-Night Horror on Lower Stone Street
Just after 1am on Tuesday 16 April 2019, a teenage girl was walking alone along Lower Stone Street when she spotted a man trailing her. She slowed to let him pass, but the man kept close before turning down a side road.
Thinking she’d lost him, the victim carried on to Loose Road — only to find the same man suddenly right beside her.
Brutal Assault
The man spoke briefly before flying into a rage, grabbing her hand and landing a savage punch to her face. She hit the floor as he punched her twice more with brutal force. Fighting back, she screamed and kicked him off before he fled the scene.
She was rushed to hospital with serious facial injuries, while cops launched a house-to-house probe and reviewed CCTV to track the attacker’s movements.
On the Run — Then Caught Abroad
Police zeroed in on Calin as their suspect. He’d been treated for a hand injury and vanished overseas on 21 April. Calin, with no fixed address, was found in Romania. Authorities swiftly applied for his extradition.
On 29 July 2020, kent-police/" title="Kent Police" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked" data-wpil-monitor-id="4610">Kent Police officers flew to Bucharest, escorted Calin onto a plane, and brought him back to the UK.
Guilty Verdict and Sentence
Calin faced Maidstone Crown Court charged with attempted wounding with intent. After a three-day trial, a jury found him guilty on 1 July 2021. On 13 April 2022, the 29-year-old was jailed for six years and one month.
Detective Constable Andy Julier said: “This was a despicable and cowardly attack on a young woman by a man who injured his hand, such was the force of his punches.
The investigation was thorough and complex, but I’m pleased we brought him before the court to answer for his appalling crime.
The victim continues to suffer ongoing dental issues because of the assault. Calin’s callous actions have had a lasting impact on her life.
I commend her courage and thank the witnesses who helped bring Calin to justice.”
