Strood, Kent – February 11, 2025 – A violent man who bit off a large piece of a stranger’s ear in an unprovoked attack near Strood railway station has been jailed for more than seven years.
Brutal Assault Near Strood Railway Station
The shocking incident occurred on February 28, 2022, when the victim was leaving Strood railway station via an underpass to Station Road while speaking to his children on his mobile phone.
Suddenly, Louis Carter, 32, of Woolwich Road, Belvedere, London, began verbally abusing him. The victim, who did not know Carter, attempted to ignore him, but the abuse escalated into threats of violence as they continued walking towards Commercial Road.
Attack Leads to Gruesome Injury
As Carter aggressively approached, the victim, fearing an attack, punched him in self-defense, causing Carter to fall to the ground. However, Carter got back up and initiated a struggle, during which he bit the victim’s ear and tore off a large portion before fleeing the scene.
The severed part of the victim’s ear was recovered by members of the public, placed in ice, and taken to hospital, but doctors were unable to reattach it.
Arrest and Conviction
Thanks to footage recorded by two children at the scene and CCTV from the railway station, police were able to identify Carter as the attacker. He was arrested on May 18, 2022, and later charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
Carter pleaded not guilty, but following a trial at Woolwich Crown Court, he was convicted and sentenced on Thursday, February 6, 2025.
Extended 12-Year Sentence for Violent Attack
The judge handed Carter an extended 12-year sentence, which includes:
- Seven and a half years in prison
- An additional four and a half years on licence after release
Carter will only become eligible for parole after serving the first seven and a half years behind bars.
Police Condemn ‘Appalling’ Attack
Investigating officer PC Alex Powell described the brutality of the attack and praised the victim’s courage in assisting police:
**“This was an appalling and unprovoked assault on a man who was speaking to his family on the phone, having just left the station.
“The victim sought to avoid a confrontation, but Carter seemed determined to be aggressive and ultimately inflicted a disfiguring injury.
“The attack has had a significant impact on the victim, who has since been nervous about leaving home and travelling to work. He has shown great fortitude in assisting us with this investigation, and I would like to thank him and the witnesses who helped bring this violent man to justice.”**
Community Calls for Stronger Action Against Violent Crime
The gruesome nature of this random attack has left many in the community shaken, with calls for stronger measures against violent offenders.
This remains a developing case, and further updates will follow as Louis Carter serves his sentence.
