Two men jailed after victim ‘stabbed’ in Canterbury

Two men have been jailed after a victim was airlifted to hospital after allegedly being stabbed in Canterbury.

The serious assault left the victim with a collapsed lung.

Officers on patrol in Shaftesbury Road on August 16, 2023 were approached by a wounded man who said he had been stabbed by two men that were known to him.

An ambulance was called and the victim was airlifted to a London hospital where he received treatment before being discharged to continue his recovery at home.

Quick investigative work following the assault led the police to a suspicious vehicle on Albert Road, believed to be carrying the offenders.

Lewis Whittington, of no fixed address, and Kenny Harmsworth, of Walden Court, who had been travelling in the car, were arrested shortly after and later charged.

Both pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a bladed article. Additionally, Whittington admitted to possessing a class A drug with intent to supply.

On May 3, 2024, Whittington, 19, was jailed for seven and a half years, while Harmsworth, 23, was sentenced to five and a half years in prison at Canterbury Crown Court.

Detective Sergeant Vanessa Law from East Kent CID spoke on the case, highlighting the prompt police action that potentially saved the victim’s life. She expressed satisfaction with the judicial outcome, emphasising the message it sends against knife crime in Kent.

“I am pleased that these criminals, who were swiftly detained, have received custodial sentences and hope that their victim is given some sense of closure,” she said.

“There is no place for knife crime on the streets of Kent and we will continue to strive to bring the perpetrators to justice.”

Featured image credit: Google street view