Bleach Attack on Kent High Street Sparks Historic Charge
Kent Police have hit Andrew Maloney, 53, with a slew of serious charges after a shocking bleach attack in Lydd High Street. This marks the first time the brand-new offence of possessing a corrosive substance in public has been used in Kent—and one of the first nationwide.
Historic New Law in Action
The charge comes under updated rules from the Offensive Weapons Act 2019, which came into force on 6 April 2022. It’s designed to crack down on attacks involving dangerous corrosive substances like bleach and acid.
Bleach Thrown in Late-Night Kebab Shop Row
- Incident unfolded at around 12.15am on Saturday 9 April
- Disturbance started inside a kebab shop on Lydd High Street before spilling outside
- Maloney allegedly threw disinfectant or bleach at a group of people
- A man in his 20s suffered pain and temporary loss of vision
Multiple Charges Laid Amid Chaos
Maloney was arrested nearby and hauled into custody. He now faces charges including:
- Attempting to cause grievous bodily harm
- Affray
- Possessing a corrosive substance in a public place
- Making threats with an offensive weapon
- Causing criminal damage to a police car
He was remanded in custody following a hearing at Folkestone magistrates on Monday 11 April. Maloney is set to appear at Canterbury Crown Court on Monday 9 May.
