Man Jailed for Nearly Four Years After Deadly Chair Attack at Birchington Chip Shop
Brutal Assault in Birchington
A 32-year-old man, Rashko Kurtev from Park Avenue, Birchington, has been locked up for three years and nine months for manslaughter. The shocking attack happened outside Seabells Fish and Chip Shop on Station Road on 9 March 2024.
The fight kicked off when victim Rodney Macleod clashed with staff inside the shop. Kurtev, an employee there, escalated the row by hurling some of Macleod’s belongings at him. Things turned deadly when Kurtev threw two metal chairs. One slammed into Macleod’s head, causing a fatal brain injury.
Tragic Injuries and Arrest
Macleod collapsed to the pavement. Emergency services rushed him first to a local hospital, then airlifted him to a London hospital due to the severity of his injuries. Tragically, he died on 15 April 2024. A post-mortem confirmed the brain injury as the cause of death.
Kurtev was arrested at the scene and initially charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent. After Macleod’s death, the charge was upgraded to manslaughter.
Court Verdict and Judge’s Scathing Remarks
Kurtev admitted guilt to manslaughter earlier this month. At Canterbury Crown Court on 15 November 2024, Judge Anne Hetherington slammed the attack as “avoidable,” highlighting the needless violence that led to Macleod’s death.
Police Condemn “Catastrophic” Violence
Detective Inspector Colin McKeen said: “This case shows the catastrophic consequences of people turning to violence during disagreements. One man has lost his life, and another is in jail following an argument this offender could have walked away from. The use of a metal chair as a weapon was completely unnecessary.”
DI McKeen offered heartfelt condolences to the victim’s family and hopes the swift justice brings some closure.
This grim incident is a stark warning about the deadly fallout violence can bring – a needless death sparked by a moment of rage outside a chip shop.
