wo violent robbers have been sentenced to over 20 years in prison after subjecting a man to a brutal and prolonged assault in his own home in Maidstone town centre.
Bader Mohamed, 37, of Blake Avenue, Barking, and Lewis Rowley, 25, of no fixed address, were convicted at Maidstone Crown Court for their roles in the horrific attack, which left the victim with life-altering injuries.
https:///www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtXtKXcDXIc
The terrifying ordeal unfolded on the evening of 9 June 2024, when Rowley knocked on the victim’s flat door under the pretense of borrowing some milk. Moments later, both men forced their way inside and demanded cash. While one searched the property, the other unleashed a brutal assault that lasted nearly 45 minutes.
The victim was dragged across the flat, beaten with at least one glass bottle, punched repeatedly, and stamped on with such force that he lost two teeth. Mohamed also attempted to choke the man using a piece of string, leading the victim to fear for his life. He later described the attack as “barbaric,” believing he wouldn’t survive.
The attackers eventually fled, but the ordeal didn’t end there. The victim managed to escape and raise the alarm but, upon returning home, found Mohamed attempting to start a fire inside the flat. Mohamed fled again but was quickly arrested nearby by police. Rowley was apprehended the following day.
The victim was taken to hospital, where he underwent surgery for several injuries, including a fractured skull. He later positively identified both attackers during a police lineup. CCTV footage also linked Mohamed to the crime, showing him purchasing a bottle of vodka from a supermarket before the attack — the same type of bottle used during the assault.
Both men denied any wrongdoing, but a jury found them guilty by unanimous verdict. Mohamed was convicted of assault with intent to commit robbery and causing grievous bodily harm with intent, while Rowley was found guilty of assault with intent to commit robbery and a lesser charge of grievous bodily harm.
On 20 February 2025, Mohamed was sentenced to 12 years in prison, with an extended licence period of four years, while Rowley received a 10-year sentence with a three-year extended licence. Both men were deemed “dangerous” by the judge and will be required to serve at least two-thirds of their sentences before becoming eligible for parole.
Detective Constable Josh Littley, who led the investigation, condemned the senseless violence, saying, “Mohamed and Rowley subjected their victim to an unimaginable and utterly barbaric ordeal. The victim was convinced he was going to die, particularly when Mohamed was choking him and he was fighting for his life. He was left suffering horrific injuries, including a fractured skull.”
DC Littley added, “This was an entirely unprovoked and senseless attack, which continues to have a profound impact on the victim’s life. I hope these significant sentences offer him some measure of comfort and help him rebuild his trust and confidence so he can once again feel safe in his own home.”
The judge commended the police investigation, which swiftly brought both attackers to justice, highlighting the crucial role of community safety in preventing such heinous crimes.
