Gravesend Man Gets Nine Years for Brutal Maidstone Knife Attack
A Gravesend man has been locked up for nine years after a savage knife assault in a Maidstone flat left two men seriously injured. Leon Samuel, 46, launched a frenzied attack with a kitchen knife following a night out, turning a quiet evening into a nightmare near the town centre.
Terrifying Balcony Stabbing
The horror unfolded in the early hours of 26 October 2020 at a Westree Court flat. Samuel grabbed a knife from a block during an argument. One victim tried to escape to the balcony but became trapped. Witnesses heard Samuel scream, “I will kill you,” before stabbing the man multiple times.
The second victim was wounded while trying to stop Samuel from reaching the balcony, suffering deep cuts to his arms. Samuel even scanned the room for more weapons to keep his savage rampage going.
Heroic Intervention Ends Attack
The brutal assault only stopped when brave witnesses wrestled Samuel away and forced him out. He then fled towards East Farleigh train station and boarded a train to Strood.
Justice Served at Woolwich Crown Court
Police tracked Samuel through several addresses linked to his associates. He handed himself in the next day, pleading guilty to wounding with intent and causing grievous bodily harm without intent.
“Had other people who were in the flat not bravely intervened, it is entirely possible that Samuel’s actions would have led to fatal injuries,” said Detective Sergeant Jim Farley of West Kent CID.
“It was a ferocious assault leaving one victim with long-term injuries and scarring. Violent crimes like this impact victims’ mental health profoundly. I have no doubt Samuel is a danger to the public. This sentence ensures he will be behind bars for the foreseeable future.”
