A mother and son have been sentenced to a combined 10 and a half years in prison for a brutal and unprovoked hammer attack on a former acquaintance. Charlie and Laura Haynes went to Stacey Blackman’s residence in Folkestone, Kent, where they assaulted her with the weapon, causing severe injuries including a fractured jaw and missing teeth.
During the assault, the duo dragged Ms. Blackman into the bathroom, where they submerged her head underwater, instilling a fear of drowning. Charlie, who was 19 at the time, continued to assault Ms. Blackman by repeatedly punching her while she was defenseless in her bloodied bathroom.
After their arrest, the pair initially denied their actions but were later found guilty of causing serious bodily harm with intent by a unanimous jury verdict at Canterbury Crown Court. Ms. Blackman suffered extensive injuries, including a fractured upper jaw, eight missing teeth, and mouth bruises and wounds.
The prosecution suggested that the attack was motivated by revenge, possibly related to incidents involving damage to Laura’s windows or a dispute over a missing phone. During the assault, Laura reportedly directed Charlie and made derogatory comments toward Ms. Blackman.
In a statement read in court, Ms. Blackman described the lasting physical and psychological effects of the attack, highlighting the financial burden of her dental treatment and the impact on her self-confidence and daily life routines.
The court heard that the assault involved significant planning and premeditation. Defense lawyer Nicholas Hamblin emphasized that both Charlie and Laura had no prior criminal records and presented personal challenges and responsibilities that could mitigate their actions.
Ultimately, the duo, originally from Folkestone but residing in Ashford at the time of sentencing, received prison terms of five years for Charlie and five-and-a-half years for Laura. The judge condemned the violent assault as unprovoked and emphasized the lasting trauma suffered by Ms. Blackman.
Additionally, Charlie and Laura were ordered to pay a victim surcharge and are subject to a restraining order prohibiting contact with Ms. Blackman for five years. They must serve at least two-thirds of their sentences before being eligible for release on license.
