Local Man Jailed For Fatal Machete Attack

A 19-year-old man who used a machete to fatally injure his mother’s partner has been jailed for 10 years.

In the early hours of Wednesday 21st December 2022, David Perry was violently assaulted by Rohan Daniels after the pair had argued over missing tobacco at the family home in Medway Close, Sittingbourne.

Following the incident, Daniels, who was 18 at the time, fled the property leaving his victim with multiple stab wounds. The emergency services were called to the house where Mr Perry, aged 40, was confirmed deceased.

An investigation was launched by the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate and Daniels was arrested on the following day.

The Crown Prosecution Service authorised a charge of murder against Daniels to which he pleaded not guilty at Maidstone Crown Court. Following at a trial which concluded on Tuesday 27 February 2024, he was convicted of manslaughter.

Daniels was sentenced yesterday (Monday 29th April).

Investigating officer Detective Constable Angela Cann, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, told SFM News: "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 said he only had the machete on him due to his interest in bushcraft, however, his possession of such a dangerous weapon remains unresolved. 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."

DC Cann went on to add: "Most importantly, Mr Perry had two daughters who have been shocked by their father’s untimely death. They also have to accept that their father’s life was taken away by someone he knew, in his home and in such a senseless and cruel manner. I hope this sentencing helps provide the victim’s family with some closure."