Two Romney Marsh Thugs Jailed After Brutal Armed Home Invasion
Two men from Romney have been locked up for a combined 11 years following a vicious raid on a home in Romney Marsh. The terrifying attack unfolded during a high-stakes aggravated burglary, leaving victims battered and traumatised.
Armed Raid Rocks Quiet Rectory Lane at 1am
In the dead of night on Tuesday 26 August 2025, 41-year-old Gavin Power and 22-year-old William Hobday burst into a house on Rectory Lane. Masked and wielding a metal pole, the pair launched a violent, pre-planned assault on two men they knew amid an ongoing dispute.
The victims fought back, managing to rip off the balaclavas, exposing their attackers’ faces in the heat of the chaos.
Quick Police Hunt Nets Arrests Within Days
One victim escaped to nearby homes for help and witnessed the suspects making a daring getaway—jumping a wall and fleeing in a dark vehicle.
Kent Police acted fast. They tracked down Power’s car and arrested him the very same day. Power denied entering the property but admitted being close by, even recognising a balaclava found at the scene — though he couldn’t explain how it got inside.
Forensics uncovered saliva and blood on the balaclavas, and DNA evidence confirmed Hobday’s involvement. Police found a hoodie matching CCTV footage in Hobday’s bedroom, leading to his arrest on 11 September 2025.
Justice Served: Jail Terms Handed Out at Canterbury Crown Court
Both men pleaded guilty at Canterbury Crown Court on 3 October 2025.
On 21 January 2026, Power was sentenced to six years and nine months in prison. Hobday received five years behind bars.
Detective Constable Rebecca Keeler: “This was a violent and targeted attack that left both victims with lasting physical and emotional injuries. Those who choose to inflict violence on others should know it won’t be tolerated in Kent. Officers will use every lead to bring offenders to justice.”
