KEVIN CHAPMAN'S SHOCKING CRIME SPREE IN CHATHAM AND CANTERBURY

In July 2017, Kevin Chapman, a 34-year-old man from Chatham, found himself at the center of a disturbing series of criminal acts that unfolded in the busy streets of Canterbury, Kent. The incident, which drew widespread attention, involved a combination of public indecency, vandalism, and threatening behavior, all committed under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

On a seemingly ordinary afternoon, Chapman consumed approximately two liters of cider along with a mixture of sleeping tablets and Paracetamol, which impaired his judgment and led to a series of reckless actions. The chaos began in the city center when he engaged in a heated argument with a group of homeless individuals near local bars and pubs. Witnesses reported that during this altercation, Chapman became increasingly aggressive, culminating in him pushing over a Suzuki 600cc motorcycle that was parked in a public area.

Following the vandalism, Chapman’s behavior took a bizarre and disturbing turn. He proceeded to remove his trousers, exposing his genitals to passersby, and then began to simulate sexual acts with the motorbike, which was lying on its side. Several witnesses captured these shocking moments on their mobile phones, and CCTV footage confirmed his actions. Chapman also shouted abuse at the crowd, further escalating the incident. When questioned later, he claimed he had been pushed into the bike and that a crowd was laughing at him, but the footage and witness testimonies painted a different picture.

Adding to his misconduct, Chapman was observed pulling off the wing mirror of a nearby parked vehicle and using it to strike another car. His violent outbursts continued as he kicked and stamped on the motorbike, poured an unknown substance into it, and urinated on it. Throughout this episode, he was seen shouting and swearing at bystanders, displaying a complete lack of remorse or control.

During police interviews, Chapman admitted to the indecent exposure but claimed he was pushed into the bike and was provoked by the crowd. When shown the CCTV footage, he acknowledged that it was indeed him and appeared ashamed of his actions. The incident was not isolated; prior to this public display, Chapman had made threatening phone calls to his former partner, Stacey, with whom he shares two children. These calls, made after she began seeing his business partner, Russell Souter, involved threatening language and an Indian accent, in which he said, “I’m coming for you, it’s your last night, I’m going to cut you up so you’re not recognisable to Stace and the kids.”

Further threats were directed at Russell, with Chapman warning, “I’ll run you over, you fat mug, you messed up little boy,” to which Russell responded calmly, “OK I’m indoors.”

Three months later, Chapman’s violent tendencies resurfaced when he visited Stacey’s home and attacked her new partner’s Ford Transit van with a crowbar, causing approximately £3,000 worth of damage. He also smashed the front door of her residence, incurring an additional £1,000 in damages. These aggressive acts demonstrated a pattern of escalating hostility and violence.

Chapman’s criminal record includes previous convictions for burglary, theft, and criminal damage dating back to 2009. In 2013, he served 126 days in jail for burglary and car theft. His recent behavior led to multiple charges, including indecent exposure, criminal damage, and malicious communications.

At a court hearing in Folkestone Magistrates Court, Chapman, dressed in a grey suit and black tie, confirmed his identity and expressed gratitude to the magistrates. The court was informed that he had no recollection of the incident due to his intoxication at the time. His defense argued that his actions were the result of alcohol and drug abuse, and that he was under significant emotional distress following personal and professional setbacks, including losing his job and family.

Judge David Gardner sentenced Chapman to four months in jail, suspended for 12 months. He was also ordered to pay £680 in compensation to two victims and to complete a 12-month community order focused on alcohol treatment. The magistrate emphasized Chapman’s evident embarrassment and remorse, acknowledging the seriousness of his conduct.

Kevin Chapman’s troubling history and recent actions highlight ongoing issues with substance abuse and behavioral problems, raising concerns about public safety and the need for continued intervention and support.