When James Coffield of Albany Road in Gillingham saw the victim walking down Upbury Way in Chatham, he accused him of owing him money for a car. The two men began arguing before Coffield stabbed the man three times in the shoulder, arm, and chest with a screwdriver. Coffield then fled the scene of the incident, which occurred around 8 a.m. on October 13, 2018, leaving his former friend of more than 20 years with injuries that required medical attention. On October 20, 2018, the 40-year-old was arrested by investigating officers and charged with Grievous Bodily Harm with Intent. On Thursday, January 12, 2023, he appeared before Maidstone Crown Court and was sentenced to three years and ten months in prison. He was also given a restraining order prohibiting him from contacting the victim and was ordered to pay court costs. ‘This was an opportunistic assault in which Coffield inflicted serious injuries on a man he knew,’ said investigating officer Nick Gellett. This was a senseless attack over a minor financial debt, and it was only by chance that the injuries inflicted did not cause more damage than they did. ‘I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the victim for his bravery in supporting this case and confronting Coffield in court; without his help, this case would have been difficult to advance, and Coffield would most likely not have been held accountable for his despicable actions and behaviour.’
