Two men jailed for violent attack in Romney Marsh home
Attackers used a metal pole and wore face coverings during burglary
Last updated 20th Feb 2026
Two men from New Romney have been sentenced to a total of 11 years in prison after a planned violent attack in a Romney Marsh home.
The incident took place in the early hours of Tuesday 26th August 2025, when Gavin Power and William Hobday forced their way into a residence on Rectory Lane, Romney Marsh, using a metal pole as a weapon.
Once inside, they confronted one of the residents in his bedroom, where Power struck him several times on the forehead with the pole.
Hobday restrained the victim, holding his arms behind his back during the assault.
A second resident attempted to intervene but was also attacked by Power, suffering blows to the front and back of his head.
During the struggle, the face coverings of Power and Hobday were removed, revealing their identities.
One of the men managed to escape the bedroom and sought help from neighbours, witnessing the suspects fleeing towards a dark-coloured vehicle.
Kent Police responded promptly, launching an investigation following detailed descriptions from the victims.
Local officers tracked the movements of Power's vehicle, leading to his arrest on the same day.
Forensic examination of balaclavas found at the crime scene matched Hobday’s DNA which led to his arrest on 11th September 2025.
Both men appeared before Canterbury Crown Court on 3rd October 2025 and pleaded guilty.
On 21st January 2026, they were sentenced with Power receiving six years and nine months, and Hobday given five years in prison.
Detective Constable Rebecca Keeler commented:
“This was a violent and targeted attack that left both victims with lasting physical and emotional injuries.
“Those who choose to inflict violence on others should know that it won’t be tolerated in Kent and officers will explore all available lines of enquiry to find them and bring them to justice.”