Brutal Pub Brawl: Two Men Jailed for Fire Extinguisher Attack
Two thugs have been locked up for a savage pub assault in Ashford that left a man seriously injured.
Fire Extinguisher Slammed on Victim’s Back
John Reading, 37, and Levi Smith, 30, launched a vicious attack after a drunken argument at a Church Road bar in Willesborough on 15 August 2019. The victim was punched, kicked, choked, and knocked to the floor. The final, brutal blow? Reading dropped a fire extinguisher on the poor man’s back.
Justice Served at Canterbury Crown Court
Both men were arrested after an extensive police appeal. Reading admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent, while Smith pleaded guilty to affray. At Canterbury Crown Court on 14 April 2021, Reading was slammed with an 11-year jail term plus three years on licence. Smith was sentenced to two years and three months behind bars.
Detective Condemns Attack
“This was an extremely violent attack which continued long after the victim had been knocked to the ground. He suffered terrible injuries and the level of violence used could very easily have made this an even more serious case than it was,” said Detective Sergeant Bethany Gumley.
“I hope the sentences imposed on these two men give the victim a sense that justice has been done as he continues to rebuild his life after this assault.”
The victim had only entered the pub to play in a pool tournament when Reading and Smith, strangers to him, started the deadly dispute. After trying to walk away, he was relentlessly set upon, leaving him seriously hurt and hospitalised.
