Jail for Kent man who grabbed, punched and headbutted victim during 'petty row'

A man who caused fatal injuries to his victim following a petty row where they lived has been jailed.

David Harris, 62, grabbed, punched and headbutted 77-year-old Sidney Collier in the doorway of the hotel where they both stayed in Margate in October 2020.

Mr Collier fell to the ground and hit his head, causing a bleed on the brain. He died in hospital the following day.

Following an investigation by the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, Harris, of Buenos Ayres, Margate, pleaded guilty to manslaughter. He was jailed for four years and nine months at Maidstone Crown Court.

The fatal attack came after Harris accused Mr Collier of dropping cigarette butts on to his balcony, despite the butts being of a different kind to that the victim smoked.

Harris was overheard talking about the victim the day before the assault, saying he would 'knock him out' and 'do him outside'.

CCTV later seized by police showed Harris grabbing the victim by the chest in the doorway, punching him to the face and headbutting him.

Mr Collier then stumbled backwards and landed on his back, hitting his head. Police arrived at the scene and arrested Harris inside the hotel.

Mr Collier was taken to hospital but died from a severe injury to the back of his head.

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Garry Cook, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: 'This case illustrates how violence arising out of the most minor of disagreements can lead to tragedy.