Machete Madness in Margate: Man Swings Weapon in Brutal Attack
Curtis Pettman, 23, unleashed a terrifying machete assault in Margate, swinging the deadly 50cm blade six to seven times at his victim. The violence unfolded on Tuesday, 27 July 2021, leaving the victim with life-changing injuries.
Challenging a Suspected Thief Turns Horrific
- The day before the attack, three thieves tried to steal the victim’s moped in Margate.
- Suspecting Pettman’s involvement, the victim confronted him at a property on Denton Way.
- Pettman seized the moped keys and hurled them onto a nearby roof.
- The situation escalated when a dog from Pettman’s residence bit the victim’s leg.
- Moments later, Pettman returned wielding the machete, launching a savage attack.
Swift Police Action and Heavy Sentence
Police were called immediately, but Pettman made a run for it. He was caught the same day, identified by a bloodstained dressing gown he wore during the assault. Pettman later pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon.
On Friday 1 April 2022, Canterbury Crown Court slammed the hammer down — sentencing Pettman to 11 years behind bars.
Detective Inspector Stefanie Earl of east Kent CID said: “This was an extremely violent attack which could easily have left the victim with even more serious injuries than the life-changing wounds he sustained. Pettman intentionally chose this highly dangerous weapon to launch a senseless attack on the victim. I am pleased the sentence handed down will mean he is unable to offend and impact any further victims for a considerable period of time.”
