Brutal Attacker Jailed for Over Six Years After Maidstone Rampage
A Cheltenham thug has been locked up for six years and four months after a shocking spree of violent attacks in Maidstone. Lauchlan Pritchard, 25, launched unprovoked assaults on two strangers with a metal gas cannister before carjacking a pizza delivery driver in the early hours of May 19, 2024.
Violent Attacks Caught on CCTV
The violence erupted on Lower Stone Street where Pritchard struck two men repeatedly with a large cylinder used for nitrous oxide. Despite trying to flee, one victim was knocked unconscious after hitting his head on the pavement during the savage assault.
Not stopping there, Pritchard hijacked a nearby pizza delivery driver’s vehicle, forcing the driver to Courtenay Road. He then attacked the driver again and demanded money at knifepoint. The stolen car was later found abandoned in a ditch on the A229 at Linton Hill. Police recovered the gas cannister nearby.
Captured and Convicted After False Identity Attempt
Pritchard was nabbed on June 6 after lying to officers who stopped him on the M20 motorway. Facing a string of charges including grievous bodily harm, assault by beating, aggravated vehicle taking, and possession of an offensive weapon, he pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court.
Sentencing, the judge called Pritchard “dangerous” and ordered he serve two-thirds of his sentence before parole. He was also slapped with a five-year driving ban and a two-year extended licence period after his release.
Police Slam ‘Senseless and Barbaric’ Attacks
“These were senseless and barbaric attacks,” said Detective Constable Alice Henham. “One of the victims still suffers serious health consequences, including brain bleeds. Our investigation provided irrefutable evidence with DNA, CCTV, and social media linking Pritchard to these crimes.”
This conviction sends a strong message that violent crime will be tackled head-on, protecting communities and bringing offenders to justice.
