Posted on the 13th August 2026 in PHTM News

27 MONTHS' JAIL FOR DARTFORD THUG WHO STAMPED ON CABBIE'S HEAD MULTIPLE TIMES IN RACIST BEATING

A violent thug who punched, kicked and repeatedly stamped on the head of a taxi driver during a brutal, unprovoked assault has been jailed for two years and three months on Tuesday 11 August.

Oliver Dryden, a 30-year-old from Orpington, launched the savage attack after a minor road traffic collision on Crossways Boulevard in Dartford on January 15, 2025.

The incident began when the victim's taxi collided with a Peugeot, prompting both drivers to pull over to exchange insurance details.

However, Dryden, who was a front-seat passenger in the Peugeot, stepped out of the vehicle and immediately targeted the taxi driver, punching him in the chest, face and jaw.

When the victim attempted to retreat to his cab, Dryden dragged him to the ground, kicked him in the face and repeatedly stamped on his head while hurling racist abuse at him. Bystanders attempted to intervene, but the attacker threw an object at the taxi and smashed one of its windows before fleeing the scene before police arrived.

Officers tracked Dryden down to a pub in Bromley a week later and arrested him. He pleaded guilty to racially aggravated assault, racially aggravated criminal damage and affray, and was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court.

Investigating officer PC Ellie Boden condemned the violence, stating: "This was a completely unprovoked attack on an innocent man. The assault was carried out in broad daylight and in front of several witnesses.

"The victim was also subjected to racist abuse, which makes Dryden's actions all the more unacceptable.

"I welcome the sentence handed down by the court and hope it provides the victim with some reassurance that Dryden has been held accountable for his actions."


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