Gang Jailed for Over 30 Years After Savage Attack in Ramsgate
A violent group has been locked up for a combined total of more than 30 years after leaving a man with serious injuries in a brutal assault in Ramsgate town centre.
Knife Attack in Harbour Street
Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate launched a detailed probe after the attack on Harbour Street in the early hours of Sunday, 12 May 2019. The 25-year-old victim was leaving a venue near the seafront around 3am when the group pounced.
The trouble started when a friend of the victim had a falling out with one group member, who began shouting abuse as they entered the town centre. The gang then chased the victim, repeatedly punching and kicking him as he tried to fight back.
The victim was eventually trapped in the doorway of a bakery on Harbour Street, where he was brutally punched, kicked, stamped on, and stabbed in the neck. CCTV footage confirmed that Jacob Cromwell pulled a knife from his trousers and inflicted the stab wounds.
Grave Injuries and Tough Sentences
The victim’s stab wound narrowly missed a major artery, resulting in an 11-day hospital stay. Cromwell was found guilty of attempted murder and sentenced to 11 years in prison at Canterbury Crown Court on 11 May 2020.
In separate hearings, seven more attackers were sentenced:
- Joshua Roberts, 20, jailed for 5 years for violent disorder, assault causing actual bodily harm, and attempted wounding with intent.
- Isaac Roberts, 20, jailed for 3 years for violent disorder and assault causing actual bodily harm.
- Kieran Day, 20, jailed for 3½ years for attempted wounding with intent and violent disorder.
- Ashley Dorsett, 19, jailed for 2½ years for violent disorder and attempted wounding with intent.
- Casey Carter, 19, jailed for 18 months for violent disorder.
- Jaden Cashin, 19, jailed for 4 years for violent disorder and attempted wounding, plus other offences including assaulting an emergency worker.
- A 17-year-old boy from Margate received a youth rehabilitation order after admitting wounding with intent and violent disorder.
Police Praise, No Tolerance for Knife Crime
Chief Inspector Ed Ruffle, Thanet District Commander, said: “This was a cowardly assault by a group on a man who posed no threat to them.”
“He was leaving the area after enjoying an evening out when he was chased and repeatedly attacked by a group determined to cause as much harm as possible.”
“Our officers carried out a swift and thorough investigation. The number of convictions secured is a testament to their hard work.”
Kent Police takes knife crime extremely seriously. We remain determined to find and prosecute anyone carrying weapons or engaging in violence.”
“I praise the victim for supporting the investigation and hope these sentences bring him some measure of justice.”
