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Steven Draper attacked a man in his own home leaving him with a deep laceration to his forehead.
On 1 April last year Draper had been involved in an altercation with the victim at a pub in the village. The following day he travelled to the victim’s home in Gunlands with an associate. When the victim opened the door he was attacked in the porch area.
Draper repeatedly swung the bat at him and aimed further blows at his head with his fists. The assault only came to end when a relative of the victim appeared and shouted at him to stop.
He was arrested on 25 April, but during police interview denied any wrong doing. Aged 33 and of Maidstone Road, Nettlestead Green, Draper was later charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.
Appearing before Maidstone Crown Court he pleaded not guilty and the case went to trial. Draper was subsequently convicted by a jury and on November 19 was sentenced to 18 months in prison.
Detective Constable Chris Relf said: “Steven Draper was responsible for a pre-planned and sustained assault, which could easily have caused far greater injury.
“I have no doubt the psychological impact will also stay with the victim for a very long time and I only hope he will be able to take some reassurance now that justice has now been served.”
