SEASIDE ATTACKER SENTENCED FOR VIOLENT ASSAULTS ON WOMEN IN GREATSTONE

Two women walking home after dark fell victim to a violent attack because they 'looked happy.' The assaults occurred on November 24 in Greatstone, where a large police presence was subsequently observed and witnesses were interviewed in the search for the suspect. Police arrested 31-year-old electrician Alex Corbett, who admitted to attacking the women, including one who was just 17 years old. Corbett appeared before Folkestone magistrates, where he was sentenced to 120 days in prison, suspended for 18 months. Prosecutor Gemma Webb recounted that during the attacks, Corbett was driving around the New Romney area consuming alcohol and was in a state of emotional distress. One victim reported that she was approached at 8.40pm by a male who then launched an assault, forcing her onto the shingle and pinning her. She screamed for help, and the attacker ran off. The second victim, a 17-year-old, was approached at 10.40pm, where Corbett silently approached her from behind, put his arm around her neck, and began punching her. Corbett broke down and cried when arrested, explaining he thought the women were laughing at him and that he was angry and had earlier argued with his partner over alcohol, feeling suicidal. Magistrates sentenced him to 120 days for each offence, to run concurrently, suspended for 18 months, with additional orders for community payback, supervision, alcohol treatment, and payments of £500 to each victim plus costs.