Six men have been slammed with almost 70 years behind bars after a savage break-in near Maidstone left two men badly injured.
Armed Gang Launches Violent Attack
On 23 December 2024, at around 8.10pm, five men forced their way into a home near Heath Road, Coxheath. Armed with a knife and crowbar, they violently attacked two men in their 40s, before stealing a watch and speeding off in two cars. Emergency crews rushed both victims to hospital with serious head injuries. One also suffered deep wounds to his arm and hand. Police recovered the weapons at the scene and launched a swift, complex investigation.
Damning Evidence Leads to Arrests
Between 31 December 2024 and 3 March 2025, Kent Police arrested and charged all six suspects after uncovering a mountain of evidence, including:
- Private CCTV tracking their movements to and from the burglary site
- Hospital CCTV showing Ainsley Louis-Dean and Solomon Howard seeking treatment for injuries they got during the attack
- Messages between the gang discussing prison time and who would care for a pet dog
Jail Sentences Handed Down at Maidstone Crown Court
Despite five men denying involvement, all six were convicted and sentenced on 2 April 2026:
- Keith Cranley, 41, Darren Adams, 27, and D’Quan Samuel, 25, all from Shipwrights Avenue, Chatham, got 12 years each
- Ainsley Louis-Dean, 24, of Wiltshire Close, Chatham, got 11 years 3 months
- Solomon Howard, 23, from Meresborough Road, Gillingham, got 11 years
- Tyresse Johnson, 23, of Challenger Close, Rainham, who pleaded guilty, received nine years
Justice was served for a violent burglary that shocked the Maidstone community.
