Drunken Pub Brawl Ends with Brutal Beatings and Jail Time
Dirk Peterson, 52, was slammed with a sentence at Maidstone Crown Court on 30 November 2020 after pleading guilty to two counts of actual bodily harm.
Unprovoked Attacks in Gillingham Pub
Peterson, from Ivy Street, Rochester, sparked chaos at the Fleur De Lis pub on Gillingham Road on 19 July 2020. After drinking with one of the victims, he launched a savage, unprovoked assault, punching the man repeatedly in the face before the victim fled the pub.
Family Member Also Targeted
The violence didn’t stop there. A family member of the first victim entered and tried to intervene—only to be battered himself. Peterson punched him multiple times, causing the man to fall and break his foot. And if that wasn’t enough, Peterson bit his nose and spat in his face while continuing the onslaught.
Violence Continues Outside
After leaving the pub, Peterson spotted his first victim alone by a wall. He didn’t hesitate, landing another 10 punches before returning inside to awkwardly try to make amends with the second victim.
Serious Injuries and Swift Justice
- Both victims suffered head injuries.
- The second victim also suffered a broken ankle and fractured nose.
Police later arrested Peterson and charged him. Officer Sgt Claire Pye condemned the “vicious and prolonged attack” on two men who “had not provoked him” and “only tried to protect themselves.” She said, “I’m pleased he has been sentenced accordingly.”
