Knife attacker Rodney Geisha sentenced to 17 years after brutal Maidstone assault
Knife rampage in Maidstone town centre
Rodney Geisha unleashed a terrifying knife attack in Maidstone’s Week Street after a heated argument with two men. On the afternoon of 3 February 2021, Geisha whipped a knife from his waistband, slashing one victim across the face.
When others tried to step in, Geisha struck again – sneaking behind the second man and inflicting serious neck injuries with the same blade.
Quick getaway, quick arrest
Geisha fled the scene before emergency services arrived. Both victims needed hospital treatment, with one undergoing surgery for life-threatening wounds. Police suspected Geisha immediately and tracked him to his Fairmeadow home.
Officers found him with cuts to his left hand and an injured thumb. He was arrested on the spot and hit with charges including:
- Grievous bodily harm with intent
- Wounding
- Possession of a knife in public
Attempted witness intimidation backfires
Geisha’s troubles didn’t end there. He later faced additional charges of conspiring to pervert the course of justice and witness intimidation. Prosecutors said Geisha and an associate tried to pressure two trial witnesses into changing their statements.
Justice served at Maidstone Crown Court
Despite pleading not guilty, Geisha was found guilty after a 20-day trial. On 5 May 2023, the 51-year-old was slammed with a 17-and-a-half-year prison sentence.
Police Investigator Shelley Rainer said: “Geisha armed himself with a knife, came to Maidstone town centre, and produced it during an argument. The second victim needed surgery, and it’s only by chance he didn’t lose his life. Thanks to a heroic NHS worker who provided first aid before paramedics arrived, the worse was avoided. Geisha’s actions were truly appalling. Maidstone is a safer place with him behind bars.”
