BOY IN COURT AFTER MAN Teenager accused of murder after incident outside McDonald’s
Staff rushed into street to try and stop bleeding
A 16-year-old boy has appeared in court accused of murder after a 50-year-old was fatally injured outside McDonald’s in Maidstone on a Friday night.
Wayne Chester is believed to have been killed with a single punch after leaving the Week Street restaurant at around 10.30pm.
He collapsed with a head injury and despite the efforts of McDonald’s staff who rushed outside to try and stop the bleeding, and then paramedics, Mr Chester later died in a London hospital from his injuries.
The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared before magistrates at Maidstone on Monday and at Maidstone Crown Court yesterday (Wednesday).
Three males aged 15, 17 and 18 were also arrested but released on bail pending further investigations.
Mr Chester is believed to have complained to restaurant management about the behaviour of a group of teens. He was allegedly attacked as he made his way out of the fast food restaurant.
Police sealed off Week Street between Union Street and Brewer Street while paramedics attended to Mr Chester.
McDonald’s franchisee Ali El Hajj revealed staff rushed to help Mr Chester and used napkins to try and stop the bleeding.
He said: “The man was on the floor and we had people coming in for us to call the police.
“My staff went out with tissues to control the bleeding until the paramedics turned up and they were with him for half an hour.”
Bouquets of flowers have since been laid near to where he fell.
Staff at the Muggleton Inn, in the High Street, paid tribute to Mr Chester, who they knew well.
A post on its Facebook page said: “All the staff at The Muggleton Inn would like to offer their condolences to the family and friends of Wayne Chester.
“Wayne was a friendly man who was liked by many. He will be sadly missed by staff, friends and customers.”
The KM approached Mr Chester’s sister, who was too upset to speak.
Judge Jeremy Carey set a provisional trial date for April 9 next