Haydn Prager

Haydn Prager launched vicious attack on brother and sister

A man from Tunbridge Wells has been jailed for life for the attempted murder of a brother and sister in Langton Green.

Haydn Prager, of South View Road, Tunbridge Wells, pleaded guilty to the vicious attack, which happened in February.

The 22-year-old was sentenced to life imprisonment to serve a minimum of 10 years and also received an order to be placed on the sex offenders register for life.

Prager launched the attack after calling and texting the female victim, who he knew, on February 17.

At around 4.40am on February 18, Prager, having armed himself with a knife, entered the home of the brother and sister, knowing the mother and step-father were away.

First he stabbed the 20-year-old woman, seriously injuring her.

As her 15-year-old brother woke to his sister’s screams and came to her aid, Prager attacked him, stabbing him repeatedly, including in the neck.

The youth was chased around the house by Prager and although injured still attempted to distract Prager from further injuring his sister.

He eventually managed to escape out of the front door and call police. He took refuge in a nearby house but was bleeding heavily.

Prager returned upstairs and violently attacked the woman again in the bathroom, repeatedly stabbing and severely injuring her.

Police entered the home to find Prager, who was naked, holding a pair of scissors to the woman’s throat in the bathroom of the property.

Officers disarmed and arrested him. The victim’s life was saved by the prompt action of police officers and ambulance crew at the scene.

She was taken to hospital in a critical condition, bleeding profusely, and spent 40 days there before being able to go home to recover from her horrific injuries.

A knife which had been broken during the attack, together with a second knife and the scissors Prager was holding, were recovered from the scene.

A friend of the brother, who had been staying the night, escaped unharmed when he jumped out of a bedroom window.

He had woken to hear the attack and escaped to phone police.

On June 22, Prager pleaded guilty to rape and two counts of attempted murder

DCI Rob Vinson from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate said: “Prager planned his attack and at a time when he knew the victims would be sleeping and defenceless.

“He armed himself with his weapon and carried out a sustained and vicious attack on the two young people.

“They thankfully survived but, along with their friend, they will never forget that night.

“They will emotionally bear the consequences of Prager’s actions for the rest of their lives.

“The two victims who suffered severe injuries will also bear physical scars for the rest of their lives.

“I must pay tribute to the courage they have displayed, both at the time of the attack and in the way they have been coming to terms with such a vicious assault.”

In a statement, the family expressed their thanks to everyone involved in saving the life of the victims.

They said their lives had been “torn apart” by the horrific event.

“The incredible actions and bravery started with the three young victims, all who managed to stave off this attack and had the presence of mind to call 999, aided by shocked but caring neighbours.

“Guided by anxious call centre staff, the numerous police and paramedics were on the scene in minutes.

“Their unstinting actions, courage, professionalism and humanity, whilst in great personal danger, ensured that the life threatening attack was thwarted and the perpetrator was disarmed and restrained, allowing the paramedics to administer on-site life saving treatment.

“This continued with the ambulance staff, followed by the staff of Pembury A and E and the Intensive Care Unit who then began the stabilisation of the victims.

“The 24 hour care received by them ensured a quick release for our son.

“However our daughter’s treatment was to become a marathon with the nurses, doctors and other members of the support staff from both Pembury and King’s College Hospital, administering the highest quality of care and attention befitting the severity of her injuries.

“Whilst all these incredible people were performing miracles, the family, friends, work colleagues, school, college and university staff all came to the rescue of our family by sharing the burden, allowing the direct family to hold a bedside vigil.

“Friends, family, doctors, nurses, rehabilitation staff and police were constant visitors during this time, adding oil to the family machine, allowing us to start along the road to normality.

“The police response unit, the armed unit, the officers set aside to guard the victims, the liaison officer, detectives and senior staff have worked day and night with the Crown Legal Team to secure a peaceful and safe environment for us.

“You have all given us the ability to look forward to the future with great optimism, for which we will be eternally grateful.”