Margate Man Sentenced to Over Five Years for Brutal Chair Leg Attack on Neighbour
A violent neighbour dispute over noise culminated in a life-changing assault where a man was beaten with a broken chair leg, leaving him with a brain bleed and multiple skull fractures. Archie Rixon, now 22, has been sentenced to five years and four months in prison for the vicious attack on his neighbour, Gino Birch, at their converted house in Ethelbert Crescent, Margate.
Noise Complaints Escalate to Vicious Hallway Confrontation
The court heard that the incident on March 9, 2025, followed numerous complaints by Rixon to his landlord about noise from Birch, who lived in the flat above. Rixon described how Birch would shout, argue with his partner, and "stomp about," disturbing other residents. Early that morning, after hearing what sounded like items being thrown down the stairs, Rixon decided to confront his neighbour.
Prosecutor Ryan Richter told Canterbury Crown Court that Rixon encountered Birch, who was in his 40s and intoxicated, holding a bottle in the stairwell. "He described feeling angry, so he decided to confront him," Richter said. "He picked up a broken wooden chair and attacked Mr Birch with it. He accepts that he was angry and intended to cause him really serious harm."
Life-Changing Injuries and Delayed Discovery
The attack, believed to have begun around 7:15 am, left Birch lying barely conscious on the floor until he was discovered at 11:30 am. He was rushed to hospital by ambulance and transferred to intensive care at William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, where he was sedated and placed on a ventilator until March 14.
Medical examinations revealed devastating injuries: a large gash on his head, a brain bleed, multiple skull fractures, facial fractures, swelling, and bruising. Birch also suffered a deep wound to his thigh that exposed tendons and a wound to his buttock. These injuries have been described as life-changing.
Victim's Heartbreaking Impact Statement
A victim impact statement written by Birch was read to the court, detailing the profound effects of the assault. "I'm confused about who I can talk to and how to speak up for myself because of anxiety and panic," it said. "I get really scared about going out and feel unsafe on my own. I feel really unsure about everything."
Birch described how his balance has become terrible, causing him to fall over when walking. "I'm unable to carry things; my strength is gone. I struggle to dress myself. It doesn't feel like my own body," he wrote. "I don't want this to happen to anybody else."
Counsellor's Revelation and Incriminating Evidence
Initially, Rixon told police he knew nothing about the attack, though he did complain about Birch's noise. The breakthrough came when Rixon's counsellor came forward, revealing that Rixon had confessed to assaulting someone during a meeting.
Police then examined Rixon's phone, uncovering incriminating messages. One read: "Still f***** because the r****ds upstairs have come back." Another stated: "I'm waiting for them to give me an excuse to beat the s*** out of them." Rixon was originally charged with attempted murder but later pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
Sentencing and Mitigating Factors
Defence lawyer Kerry Waitt explained that Rixon has ADHD and had no prior offences, presenting character references from his family, friends, employer, and rugby coach. Sentencing Rixon, Judge Simon Taylor KC described the case as "very sad for everybody" and acknowledged Rixon's legitimate noise complaints throughout his tenancy.
"You snapped when you came across your neighbour in the hallway," Judge Taylor said. "You picked up a wooden chair leg, your pent-up anger unravelled, and you struck Mr Birch multiple times. You were not acting in self-defence, and you intended to cause Mr Birch very serious harm."
The judge noted that Rixon has expressed deep remorse and suffers from mental health issues, describing him as an "immature young man" at the time of the offence. Rixon must serve half his sentence in custody and is subject to a 10-year restraining order preventing contact with the victim.
