A violent man who stabbed an off-duty police officer in Strood has been sentenced to prison.

Harvey Smalling attacked the victim during an altercation at a fast-food restaurant on Commercial Road in the early hours of Monday, July 18, 2022.

The victim and a friend had politely inquired if an uncollected order belonged to Smalling when he unexpectedly responded aggressively.

In an attempt to avoid further confrontation, they left the restaurant, but Smalling pursued them.

Despite their efforts to distance themselves by crossing the road, Smalling approached and threatened them. Despite their attempts to calm him down, the victim was stabbed in the chest with an item that Smalling had taken from his bag.

Smalling fled the scene, and the victim was taken to the hospital for treatment of a serious chest wound. Fortunately, he has since made a full recovery.

Smalling, residing on Eldred Drive, Orpington, Greater London, was located and arrested on July 20. He was subsequently charged with grievous bodily harm with intent and affray.

On January 10, 2024, the 20-year-old pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court and was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison.

Detective Constable Emma Laimbeer, of the Kent Crime Squad, commented, “Smalling is a violent individual who reacted aggressively to a courteous question from his victim. He then pursued them after they left the fast food intent on causing harm despite efforts to diffuse the situation. It is entirely appropriate that this criminal is now serving a prison sentence.