Brutal Screwdriver Attack in Gillingham: Man Jailed
Nicholas Barrs viciously attacked a motorist sitting in a parked car in Gillingham back in May 2020. The 38-year-old, from Balmoral Road, admitted trying to cause serious harm and carrying an offensive weapon in public. He was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on 31 March 2021.
Shocking CCTV Captures Assault
At around 6.50pm on 21 May 2020, the victim—a man in his 20s—pulled up in Balmoral Road to meet a friend. While he sat inside his car, CCTV footage showed Barrs walking past the driver’s door, moving to the back, and grabbing a screwdriver from his waistband.
Barrs then flung open the driver’s door and struck the victim five times, landing two blows. The victim suffered cuts below his right eye and on his forehead. Disturbingly, Barrs and the victim were known to each other.
Quick Police Action Leads to Arrest
- kent-police/" title="Kent Police" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Kent Police arrested Barrs at his home the same evening.
- He was charged while in custody and has remained on remand since.
“Barrs subjected the victim to a senseless and savage attack,” Detective Constable Michael Rake said. “Such actions show Barrs to be exceptionally violent and I am pleased a custodial sentence has been imposed.”
“His imprisonment is a good result for the community and I hope it brings the victim some closure.”
