Man Jailed for 8 Years Over Fatal Street Brawl in Folkestone
Mark Green was locked up for eight years at Canterbury Crown Court on Tuesday, 2 May 2023, after pleading guilty to the manslaughter of Anthony Armstrong.
Meanwhile, Ruben Smith was handed a one-year sentence for affray and causing actual bodily harm in the same case.
Deadly Fight on New Street
The drama unfolded on Sunday, 6 October 2022, when Anthony Armstrong, 49, was out with friends in Folkestone’s New Street. He spotted a group he knew – including Green and Smith.
Smith took offence at something Armstrong said and threw a punch to the face. Green then joined in the attack, knocking Armstrong backwards onto the pavement, where he hit his head.
Green and Smith fled the scene but were quickly identified and arrested the same day.
Victim Dies After Horrific Assault
Armstrong was unconscious and rushed by air ambulance to a London hospital. Tragically, he never regained consciousness and died three days later.
Justice Served After Serious Crime Investigation
The Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate launched a full investigation. Both men faced multiple charges, including affray linked to a separate incident.
At court, 19-year-old Ruben Smith, from Foord Road South, admitted affray and causing actual bodily harm but was cleared of manslaughter.
Mark Green, 41 and homeless, confessed to manslaughter but was found not guilty of affray.
“This incident was an example of how mindless street violence can end in tragic consequences, the loss of a life and for Green and Smith – custodial sentences. I thank the witnesses for their support in the investigation and my thoughts are with Mr Armstrong’s family and friends.”– DC Tania Pickering
