Mum & Son Jailed for Brutal Hammer Attack

A mother and son have been sentenced to a combined 10.5 years in prison for a brutal and unprovoked hammer attack on a former friend. Charlie Haynes, 22, and his mother, Laura Haynes, 40, ambushed Stacey Blackman in Folkestone, Kent, on the morning of June 1, 2024.

The pair violently attacked Ms. Blackman with a hammer, fracturing her jaw and knocking out eight teeth. They then dragged her into the bathroom and forced her head underwater, leaving her fearing for her life. Charlie Haynes continued to assault her while she was in the bathroom.

Following their arrest, they denied the charges but were convicted of grievous bodily harm with intent by a jury at Canterbury Crown Court. Ms. Blackman described the lasting physical and psychological effects, including the need for £20,000 in dental treatment and phantom pain.

The prosecution suggested the attack was revenge for an unclear incident, possibly involving smashed windows or a missing phone. The judge described the assault as "vicious, unprovoked and sustained." Charlie received a five-year sentence, and Laura received five-and-a-half years.

Both offenders have a restraining order for five years and must pay a victim surcharge. They will serve at least two-thirds of their sentences before being eligible for release on license.