Man who threw metal chair after Kent fish and chip shop argument jailed for manslaughter

A man who inflicted fatal injuries when he threw a metal chair after an argument outside a Kent fish and chip shop has been jailed.

Rashko Kurtev threw a chair at Rodney Macleod during the incident outside Seabells Fish and Chip Shop in Birchington On March 9 2024. The chair struck Mr Macleod in the head leaving him with serious injuries.

He never recovered from his injuries and died in hospital more than a month after the incident. Traumatic brain injury was listed among the causes of death.

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Witnesses to the incident on 9 March said Mr Macleod and staff from the restaurant had got into an argument on the afternoon of the assault.

Kurtev, who was a worker at the business, came outside during the row and threw some of the victim's belongings at him. He then threw two metal chairs at Mr Macleod, the second of which hit him in the side of his head.

Mr Macleod fell to the ground and emergency services were called. He was taken to a local hospital before being flown to a London hospital with serious injuries. Kurtev was arrested at the scene and later charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Kurtev, of Park Avenue, Birchington, admitted manslaughter at Canterbury Crown Court on November 4. The 32-year-old was brought before the same court on November 15 and jailed for three years and nine months.

Speaking after the sentencing senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Colin McKeen said: ”This case shows the catastrophic consequences of people turning to violence during disagreements.

“One man has lost his life and another is in jail following an argument which this offender could just have walked away from. The use of a metal chair as a weapon was completely unnecessary.

“I would like to offer my condolences to the victim's family and friends. I hope the swift investigation and court proceedings help give them some sense of closure as they try to cope with their loss.”