CORBY MAN KIEN KENT SENTENCED FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

Kian Kent, a resident of Newark Drive in Corby, has been convicted in 2024 of heinous acts of animal cruelty and a pattern of domestic violence that spanned over two years. The court heard that Kent, born around 2000, committed a series of disturbing offenses, including placing a kitten inside a heated oven and subsequently throwing the defenseless animal against a wall, actions that caused the kitten to suffer a nosebleed. These charges, related to the mistreatment of the animal, will remain on his record, although he will not be prohibited from owning animals in the future.

In addition to the animal cruelty charges, Kent pleaded guilty to multiple other offenses, including assault causing actual bodily harm, criminal damage, coercive and controlling behavior, and racially aggravated public disorder. His criminal history is extensive, with previous convictions for common assault in 2016 and 2019, and a 16-month prison sentence for blackmailing a woman by threatening to post explicit images online in 2019.

The Northampton Crown Court was informed that Kent exhibited misogynistic tendencies and was described as a bully who harbored hatred towards women, even expressing a desire to kill them. His abusive behavior was directed at his former partner, whom he controlled through physical violence, forced to leave her job, and prevented from seeing her family and friends. The court detailed how Kent’s controlling nature escalated over time, with incidents of violence and threats becoming more frequent.

During the sentencing hearing on 11 March 2024, Kent repeatedly interrupted proceedings and initially denied being the defendant, displaying a lack of remorse. The court learned that he had been in a relationship with the victim from May 2021 until June 2023, living with her and her young son at Henley House on Corporation Street in Corby. His controlling behavior intensified, including threats to lock her dog outside if she did not return home and financial exploitation, such as spending money on cannabis and threatening to lock her out of her flat if she refused to buy drugs for him.

He also made derogatory comments about her appearance, telling her her face and body were disgusting. In mid-2023, police were called after Kent assaulted his girlfriend with a cannabis grinder. A 28-day domestic violence protection order (DVPO) was issued, but Kent repeatedly breached it. During his arrest, he directed racist slurs at a police officer of Mexican heritage, calling him a ‘P**i’, and blamed delays in custody on ‘foreigners’, advocating for their deportation. His racist abuse continued throughout his detention.

Following the expiration of the DVPO, Kent returned to live in the same flat. His anger was evident when he was upset that the victim had cleaned the property. He destroyed a laptop and a television, and when she cried, he threatened to suffocate her with a pillow. He then physically assaulted her, throwing her onto the bed and slamming her into a wall. On another occasion, he demanded she find £10 for cannabis; when she failed, he vandalized furniture, barricaded the front door, and prevented her from escaping by pulling her back and confiscating her phone. His threatening words included, “I’m not doing a murder charge for you,” as he told her to stay in the bathroom or face further violence. The victim managed to escape before a neighbor called the police.

In mitigation, defense barrister Anwar Ramzan highlighted Kent’s complex mental health history, including diagnoses of ADHD, autism, Tourette’s syndrome, and oppositional defiant disorder. He explained that Kent had experienced a troubled childhood, including time in foster care and exposure to violence. The lawyer also mentioned that Kent had received offers of employment at Ev’s pub and opportunities to play rugby with S&L.

However, Judge Rebecca Crane was unpersuaded by these arguments, criticizing Kent for his lack of accountability and absence of remorse. She noted that the probation report described him as a misogynist and expressed concern over his dangerous behavior. The court sentenced Kent to four years in prison, with the stipulation that he would serve half of that term before being released on license. Additionally, the judge issued an indefinite restraining order to protect the victim from further contact.

As the court concluded the hearing, Kent’s connection to the prison was abruptly severed when he shouted, “You are painting her as the victim,” reflecting his ongoing denial and hostility. The charges related to causing unnecessary suffering to a young kitten, false imprisonment, affray, and intentional strangulation were formally left on file, underscoring the severity of his criminal conduct in Corby, Northamptonshire.