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Man jailed for killing mum's partner with machete

Rohan DanielsImage source, Kent Police
Image caption,

Rohan Daniels was aged 18 at the time of the attack

  • Published

A teenager who used a machete to kill his mother’s partner has been jailed.

Rohan Daniels, 19, attacked David Perry in the early hours of 21 December, 2022, after an argument over missing tobacco at their home in Medway Close, Sittingbourne.

The emergency services were called to the house where Mr Perry, aged 40, was confirmed dead.

Daniels was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Monday after being convicted of manslaughter at Maidstone Crown Court.

'Cruel and senseless'

Det Con Angela Cann, of the Kent and Essex serious crime directorate, said: "This argument was over a minor issue, but Daniels’ use of violence escalated this situation very quickly and resulted in a man tragically losing his life."

Daniels fled the property after the attack and was arrested the following day.

He was charged with murder, to which he pleaded not guilty.

However, after a trial which concluded on 27 February, he was convicted of manslaughter.

The teenager claimed he only had the machete on him due to his interest in "bushcraft", police said.

Det Con Cann said: "His mother not only lost her partner on that day but also her son, and now has to accept he is facing a lengthy prison sentence."

Police said Mr Perry's two daughters had been shocked by their father's "untimely, senseless and cruel death".

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