Two Men Jailed for Brutal Assault on Autistic Teen in Tunbridge Wells
Horrific Attack Leaves Teen with Fractured Neck
Two men have been locked up for savagely attacking a vulnerable teenager in Tunbridge Wells. Wayne Butterworth and Chay Hart unleashed a brutal, unprovoked assault that left the teen with a fractured neck, a broken tooth, and severe facial bruising.
Attack Caught Victim Off Guard
The victim, who has autism, was walking along Greggs Wood Road on 19 January 2019 when the brutal assault began. Known for speaking his thoughts out loud, the teen unknowingly provoked Butterworth and Hart when he asked them, “What are you looking at?”
The pair threatened him, warning he’d be beaten if he spoke again. Moments later, when the teen passed by again, Butterworth gave chase. He threw the boy to the ground and launched into a relentless attack.
Relentless Beating While Victim Curled Up on Floor
Hart soon joined in, and the two men continued punching and kicking the defenseless teen as he curled up to protect himself. The injuries were so severe the boy was rushed to hospital, where doctors found a fractured neck.
Justice Served After Guilty Pleas
Kent Police launched a swift investigation, arresting Hart, 30, and Butterworth, 50, on 12 February. Both pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm at Maidstone Crown Court.
On 28 November, Hart was sentenced to 2 years and 8 months in prison. Butterworth received 2 years and 4 months behind bars. Both men face an 8-year restraining order to protect the victim.
“Butterworth and Hart were responsible for what was a violent and utterly cowardly assault on a vulnerable and defenceless young man,” said Detective Constable Dan Williams of the West Kent Vulnerable Investigation Team.
“Their actions could easily have caused far greater injury. I have no doubt the psychological impact will also stay with the victim for a very long time and I only hope he will be able to take some reassurance now that justice has now been served.”
