5 Years for Man who Tried to Bite Off Nose

A Gillingham man's been jailed for 5 years after an attack which left another man needing cosmetic surgery.

Michael Kidner of Barnsole Road was arrested following the incident in Gillingham on 26 July last year.  Kidner had been at the victims address on Balmoral road in the town when the assault took place.  The victim was headbutted, punched and then had his nose and ear bitten.  His nose was badly damaged and needed surgery at East Grinstead hospital.

Kidner was arrested on 6 August 2009 and charged with wounding with intent the next day.  He denied the offence but was convicted following a trial at Maidstone Crown Court.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Caroline Bentley-Read said:  ‘This was a violent assault in which the victim suffered serious injuries.  He was very lucky that surgeons were able to repair his nose.  Kidner has continued to claim that he was not responsible for this crime, but we are pleased that the jury found him guilty.

‘A five year sentence is a substantial amount of time in prison and we are happy that the Judge has recognised that Kidner is a dangerous offender.  This sentence sends a clear message that anyone who is involved in carrying out violent assaults will be put before the courts and brought to justice.’