Father and Son Locked Up for Brutal Restaurant Attack
Nigel and Ben Goodall launched a shocking assault on a diner using a glass and dining fork at a Lower Stone Street eatery on 18 March 2020.
Row Over Language Turns Violent
The trouble began around 8.30pm when the victim approached the Goodalls’ table, asking them to tone down their offensive language. Tempers flared, sparking an argument that soon appeared to die down as everyone returned to their seats.
Attack Escalates as Victim Tries to Leave
But as the man got up to leave, Ben Goodall suddenly punched him repeatedly in the face. Nigel Goodall then stabbed the victim’s head multiple times with a fork. The fight spilled onto a nearby table where Nigel smashed a glass into the victim’s face. The terrifying assault only ended when the pair fled, leaving the victim bleeding and in need of hospital treatment.
Convictions and Jail for Violent Duo
- Nigel Goodall, 68, from Medway Meadows, East Peckham
- Ben Goodall, 44, from Kent Road, Snodland
Both were arrested the next day and charged with wounding with intent. Despite pleading not guilty at Maidstone Crown Court, they were found guilty after an eight-day trial. On 25 February 2022, the pair were each sentenced to three years and eight months behind bars.
PC Lily Mackay said: “This was an unprovoked assault on a man who had merely asked these fellow customers to stop their offensive language. The attack happened very suddenly and, while the victim managed to defend himself to some extent, he suffered deep cuts to his head. These men have acted in an appallingly violent manner and a prison sentence is entirely appropriate in these circumstances.”
