An attacker who punched a man from behind and then hid in bushes has been jailed

David Dyer

An attacker who punched a man from behind before running away and attempting to hide in bushes has been sentenced to two years and eight months.

David Dyer, 34, of Ramsgate Road in Broadstairs, carried out the unprovoked assault during an early morning disturbance in Ramsgate in August 2016.

He was found guilty of inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent and pleaded guilty to further charges of breaching a restraining order and failing to surrender to police/ court bail.

He was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court on Friday 1 September.

The court heard that Kent Police was called to reports of disorder in Harbour Parade, Ramsgate, shortly before 3am on 28 August 2016.

CCTV showed that during this Dyer approached a man, who was sitting at a table using his mobile phone, and punched him twice from behind.

A witness then pointed out Dyer to police officers, causing him to attempt to run away.

Following a small foot chase, he was found hiding under a bush in Broad Street.

Police Constable Michael Watson, the investigating officer for this case, said: “This assault was senseless and entirely unprovoked.

“By choosing to strike an unaware man twice to the head Dyer has shown himself to be a danger to public safety and I welcome the sentence that has been imposed.”