Garden Shears Horror: Man Jailed Over Brutal Attack on Woman in East Malling
Violent Assault Ends in Jail
Alan Brook, 49, has been locked up for four years and six months at Maidstone Crown Court after launching a savage attack on a woman with garden shears. The unprovoked assault left the victim with deep cut wounds to her head.
Attack Sparks Over Mobile Phone Row
The nightmare began on 14 September 2024 when Brook visited the woman’s home while she was dog-sitting. A dispute over a mobile phone quickly spiralled out of control. Brook first fired a catapult at her head but missed narrowly.
When the woman tried to flee, Brook grabbed garden shears and chased her down, striking her multiple times on the head. Despite her injuries, she managed to escape to a neighbour’s house. Horrifyingly, Brook followed, seized the phone, and then fled.
Police Hunt Ends with Dramatic Arrest
Brook tried to cover his tracks by changing clothes nearby before hiding at a relative’s house in Snodland. Police tracked him down and caught him hiding in a bathroom. The victim was rushed to hospital for treatment after suffering multiple head injuries.
Sentence and Aftermath
- Brook pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
- A robbery charge for stealing the phone was ordered to lie on file.
- He was sentenced to four years and six months behind bars.
- A 10-year restraining order bans him from contacting the victim after release.
Detective Sergeant Mark Giles slammed the attack as “senseless and entirely unprovoked.” He warned: “Brook tried to stab her in the head multiple times and could easily have killed her. He has a history of violent offending and has shown no indication of any remorse. I only hope the victim can take some comfort and reassurance now Brook has been sentenced.”
Police have praised the victim’s bravery and officers’ swift action in bringing Brook to justice.
