Drunken thug pummels two men in vicious pub brawl
Dirk Peterson, 52, was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on 30 November 2020 after admitting two counts of actual bodily harm following a savage attack in a Gillingham pub.
Unprovoked assaults inside Fluer De Lis pub
On 19 July 2020, Peterson, from Ivy Street, Rochester, launched a brutal, unprovoked assault on two men – one of whom he had been drinking with – at the Fluer De Lis pub on Gillingham Road.
Police were called just after 5pm after Peterson punched the first victim repeatedly in the face, forcing him to leave the pub.
Second victim attacked and seriously injured
Moments later, a friend of the first victim entered the pub and confronted Peterson, only to suffer the same fate. The second man was punched several times in the face, causing him to fall over and break his foot.
Despite the injury, Peterson kept up the brutal attack – biting his nose and spitting at him.
Relentless violence continued outside
Peterson then spotted his first victim standing alone by a wall and delivered 10 more punches before heading back inside to try and make amends with the second victim.
Both victims were treated for head injuries. The second man also suffered a broken ankle and a fractured nose.
Police react to savage attack
Investigating officer Police Sergeant Claire Pye said: “This was a vicious and prolonged attack on two men who knew Peterson personally.
“The level of violence exhibited caused injuries to both victims who had not provoked him in any manner and during the incident did not attempt to harm him, but only protect themselves. I’m pleased he has been sentenced accordingly.”
