Yob locked up for harbour assault

A violent offender who was on licence from prison has been sent back to jail for assault.

Neil de Klerk, of Repton Park, Ashford, had been drinking and listening to loud music with a group of friends near Folkestone Harbour when the assault happened.

Witnesses said the victim approached the group before de Klerk punched the man, knocking him to the ground, where he hit his head.

The victim cut his head on the pavement and was unconscious for at least five minutes before being taken to hospital.

Upon regaining consciousness he had no memory of the incident, which happened on May 27.

Despite fleeing the scene, the 31-year-old was quickly tracked down by officers and following a chase was found in possession of a knife and cocaine.

The assailant was on licence from prison at the time of the offence.

De Klerk admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm, possession of a knife and possession of a class A drug before Medway Magistrates’ Court two days later.

Coming before Canterbury Crown Court last Tuesday, he was given a three-year, fourmonth sentence.

Investigating officer PC Josh Cooper said: “The quick actions of our officers on the day of the offence saw this violent man tracked down and caught with a knife and drugs.

“He had absolutely no regard for the serious injury he had caused his victim in this unprovoked attack and I am pleased the case we put together has seen him taken off the streets for a significant period of time.”

Neil de Klerk has been jailed for more than three years