Nine Men Jailed Over Maidstone Street Brawl That Killed Young Man
Nine men have been locked up for their part in a brutal street fight in Maidstone that ended with 21-year-old Andre Bent stabbed to death.
Andre Bent Murdered After Nightclub Clash
The deadly stabbing happened in the early hours of Sunday, 25 August 2019. The chaos erupted outside a nightclub following a performance, as groups of revellers clashed in violent scenes caught on CCTV. Punches flew, kicks landed, and belts were used as weapons.
Andre’s killer, 17-year-old Vasilios Ofogeli, was found guilty of murder last month at Maidstone Crown Court. Ofogeli – who travelled from London with friends – also faces sentencing for two attempted murders and wounding with intent after stabbing three others during the brawl. His sentence is due on 20 May.
The Nine Sentenced for Violent Disorder
Kent and Essex detectives pieced together the mayhem using CCTV and mobile phone footage shared widely on social media. Nine men were caught and subsequently pleaded guilty to violent disorder at Reading Crown Court on 24 April 2020.
- Ryan Lowe-White, 22 – 1 year 8 months
- Ali Aziz, 24 – 1 year 10 months
- Nathaniel Small, 22 – 2 years
- Mohamed Gelani, 24 – 1 year 9 months
- Darien Thompson-Cox, 21 – 2 years 2 months
- Yusuf Aweys, 20 – 1 year 11 months
- Jerral Johnson-Lowe, 26 – 2 years
- Kaline Riley, 23 – 1 year 9 months
- Rheo Lawrence, 29 – 1 year 11 months
Detective Speaks Out: ‘Violence Won’t Be Tolerated’
“These nine men came from London to Maidstone to watch a musical performance but brought with them a shocking level of violence,” said Detective Chief Inspector Patrick Milford.
“None of those sentenced dealt the fatal blow, but Andre would still be alive if the fight hadn’t started.
“I hope these sentences send a clear message: Kent will not tolerate violent disorder. We will track down and prosecute anyone responsible.”
