Man Who Bit Victim’s Nose During Street Attack Found Hiding Under Clothes — Jailed for Over Three Years

A 35-year-old man who seriously injured another man by biting his nose during a violent street attack was eventually caught hiding beneath a pile of clothes. Nathan Austen’s attempt to evade police ended in an arrest just three days after the incident, and he has now been sentenced to more than three years in prison.

The assault happened on May 8, 2026, following a verbal altercation on Sittingbourne High Street in Kent, England. According to police, Austen threw several punches at the victim before following him along the street toward Mill Way, where another confrontation took place. During the attack, Austen bit the man on the nose, leaving him with significant injuries.

After the assault, Austen left the scene, prompting police to launch an investigation. Officers gathered witness statements and reviewed CCTV footage, which helped them identify him as the person responsible. On May 11, officers went to an address on Newbridge Road in Sittingbourne to arrest him.

When police entered the property, Austen attempted to conceal himself beneath a heap of clothes. However, officers noticed movement under the pile and quickly discovered him. The unusual hiding attempt failed, and he was taken into custody before being charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Austen later pleaded guilty to the offence. On October 12, 2026, Maidstone Crown Court sentenced him to three years and one month in prison. Police Constable Caitlin Harding, who led the investigation, said the officers’ work had ensured Austen was brought before the court. She added that the sentence reflected the seriousness of the injuries inflicted on the victim.

The case serves as a reminder that attempts to avoid arrest do not necessarily bring an investigation to an end. In Austen’s case, police enquiries, witness accounts and CCTV evidence helped establish his involvement, while his attempt to hide beneath clothing did little to prevent officers from finding him.

Source: The Sun