Ramsgate man jailed for attack that left Kingsgate dad with head and jaw injuries

A Ramsgate man who punched a Kingsgate dad-of-four, leaving him with multiple head and jaw injuries has been jailed.

Benjamin Haywood, of Wickham Avenue, Ramsgate, assaulted plumber Andrew Lewis after he had intervened  in a row at Kingsgate newsagents in November 2018. The row was between a staff member and Haywood and a friend who were demanding cash back.

The 33-year-old pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm and was jailed for two years at Canterbury Crown Court oFriday (March 6).

Haywood had argued with the shopkeeper  before Andrew challenged him over his behaviour outside the store.

Haywood then punched his victim, causing him to fall backwards onto the ground in the shop’s doorway. Haywood fled the area.

Andrew, who spent seven days in hospital, suffered a fractured skull, bleed on the brain and his  jaw was broken in three places. It was snapped completely at the front and had to be plated.

In interview, Haywood said he had been drinking in the area before the assault and had consumed up to 12 pints of lager.

He said the incident was totally out of character and he thought he may have misinterpreted a movement by the victim.

Detective Constable Richard Cordery, Kent Police’s investigating officer, said: “This was a serious assault which had a long-term impact on the victim.

“Kent Police is determined to crack down on violent crime and I hope this sentence sends a message that those who attack others will end up in prison.”

At the time a fundraiser was launched to help Andrew, who is dad to three boys aged 17, 14, and 10, and a four-year-old daughter, while he was unable to work at his company ACL Plumbing.