Knife-Wielding Maniac Jailed for Manslaughter After Sittingbourne Death
A violent thug chased a man into traffic with a machete, sparking a deadly tragedy in Sittingbourne. Chris Maclean, 43, has been locked up for 16 years after admitting manslaughter over the death of Jay Gerrett.
Chase Ends in Fatal Crash
The horror unfolded on the evening of 2 August 2025. At around 9.10pm, Jack Hunt, 33, lured Gerrett to Pembury Street under the pretense of selling drugs. The encounter quickly turned sour, erupting into a shouting match on the street.
Hunt called for backup — Maclean and another man stormed from Pembury Court, joining the chaos. Maclean provoked Gerrett into a fight before whipping out a massive machete, wildly slashing at his victim’s body and face.
Terrified, Gerrett tried to flee but was chased by the knife-carrying attacker. He stumbled onto a grass verge and then into oncoming traffic on St Michael’s Road, where he was struck by a car and died instantly.
Arrest and Guilty Pleas
Maclean was snared by cops in Canterbury three days later, posing as if clueless. Officers found a stash of cocaine on him. He was hit with charges of murder and possession of class A drugs with intent to supply.
Initially denying murder, Maclean’s three-week trial was due to start on 24 February 2026. But on day one, he caved and pleaded guilty to manslaughter and drug offences. On 26 February, Maidstone Crown Court sentenced him to 16 years behind bars, branding him a dangerous offender.
Co-Defendant Faces Drug Charges
Jack Hunt, from Platinum Way, Borden, pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine with intent to supply. He awaits sentencing at Maidstone Crown Court on 1 May.
Detective Chief Inspector Zoe Traynor said: “Maclean delayed accepting responsibility until the last minute, causing more anguish to Jay’s family. We’re pleased justice has been served for a violent man who didn’t hesitate to brandish a machete in public. We hope this sentence gives Jay’s family some closure.”
