Man jailed after assault in Canterbury leaves victim with fractured skull
William Brazil punched his victim who fell back and hit his head on the cobbled ground
A man who seriously assaulted a fellow pub goer in Canterbury, causing him to fracture his skull has been jailed,
What police call a "spontaneous attack" by William Brazil happened during the early hours of Saturday 29 March, causing the victim to fall backwards, where he hit his head against the cobbled ground, fracturing his skull.
The man in his 60s had been out socialising with his partner and friends, when Brazil, who had been drinking at the same table as him earlier in the evening, punched him in St Peter’s Street.
As the injured man lay on the ground, Brazil fled the scene.
An investigation by Kent Police uncovered CCTV showing the assault, which led to officers issuing images to help identify the attacker.
Brazil was identified and traced to Surrey, where he was arrested on 4 April. Messages on Brazil’s phone showed that he had seen news coverage of the media appeal and was aware he was wanted by police.
The following day, 31 year old Brazil, of Chester Road, Leatherhead, Surrey, was charged with causing grievous bodily harm.
At Canterbury Crown Court, Brazil admitted the charge and on Friday 1 August, he was sentenced to 15 months in custody.
Investigating officer PC Matthew Shellaker said: "The victim was left with serious injuries that have required ongoing care and treatment. Evidence on William Brazil’s phone showed he was aware he was wanted for this assault, yet he chose to run and hide, rather than face up to his actions. I hope he realises now that his behaviour that night had serious repercussions for all."