A robber who chased a man into an alley before breaking his nose and stealing his phone and wallet has been jailed.

Edward Phillips, 34, of Meadow Bank Road, Chatham, was seen following a man late one night in September.

When the victim, a man in his 20s, ran into an alley near Doust Way, Rochester, Phillips gave chase, stopping the man, knocking him to the floor and kicking him multiple times.

A witness heard Phillips shout “give me the money” while standing over the victim.

As officers stopped Phillips coming out of the back street, he dropped the victim’s wallet.

One officer found the victim as he was leaving the opposite end of the alley.

He was taken to hospital and treated for head injuries and a broken nose.

After Phillips was taken into custody, he was searched and found to have the victim’s mobile phone in his tracksuit bottoms.

He was charged with robbery and assault and was remanded
in custody.

He pleaded guilty to the offences on October 30 at Maidstone Crown Court and was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison.

DC Robin Hemsley, who investigated the incident, said: “This was a vicious and unprovoked attack which left the victim with multiple injuries.

“Thanks to the accounts of witnesses and their decision to contact us immediately, we arrived at the scene to catch Phillips.

“Please be aware of the potential dangers of walking home on your own after a night out.

“As the nights get darker, consider travelling with a friend heading in the same direction, book a taxi, or text friends and family members when you are on your way home and again when you arrive home.”