Ramsgate Man Jailed for Brutal Punch During Shop Row Near Broadstairs
Drunken Attack in Kingsgate Shop
Benjamin Haywood, 33, from Ramsgate, threw a savage punch that left a man with a fractured skull and brain bleed. The incident happened on the evening of Friday 23 November 2018, outside a shop on George Hill Road, Kingsgate.
Haywood had been refused cashback by the shopkeeper and sparked an argument. When a bystander stepped in to calm things down, Haywood lashed out and hit him.
Victim Left Fighting for Life
The victim was knocked to the ground, suffering serious head injuries. He underwent brain surgery and spent a week in hospital. The fight shattered his life in an instant.
Haywood Admits Guilt, Blames Alcohol
At Canterbury Crown Court on 6 March 2020, Haywood pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm and was locked up for two years.
In police interviews, Haywood said he’d been drinking up to 12 pints of lager before the attack and insisted the assault was “totally out of character.” He claimed he might have misread the victim’s movements.
Police Stand Tough on Violent Crime
Detective Constable Richard Cordery said: “This was a serious assault which had a long-term impact on the victim.”
Kent Police is determined to crack down on violent crime and I hope this sentence sends a message that those who attack others will end up in prison.
