A prisoner has been found guilty of a brutal murder of another inmate at HMP Maidstone. Sasan Rabat was behind a savage attack in his own cell, which resulted in the victim suffering catastrophic injuries.

On December 9, 2021, staff discovered Rabat sitting on a bed while Stefan Adi lay fatally wounded in a corner of the room. Rabat had attempted to hide Mr Adi’s body using furniture such as a locker and a table, and covered him with blankets and towels.

The 24 year old victim had multiple puncture wounds and lacerations to his throat, along with severe head injuries. Prison officers retrieved a broken chair and the shattered remains of a ceramic toilet lid from the cell, both used to inflict injuries on Mr Adi, who was pronounced dead at the scene by medical teams.

Rabat was arrested and claimed in police interviews that he acted in self-defence, alleging that Mr Adi had entered his cell and threatened him with a razor blade. He was charged with murder and held in custody awaiting trial.

At Maidstone Crown Court, 26 year old Rabat admitted to killing Mr Adi but argued a defence of diminished responsibility. However, on Friday, September 13, 2024, a jury unanimously found him guilty of murder.

His sentencing will take place at the same court, with the date yet to be confirmed.

Detective Inspector Ross Gurden did not mince words when he described the horrific nature of the crime, stating: “The brutality and violence used in this attack was almost indescribable. Rabat beat his victim with such ferocity that he would have stood no chance of surviving. Rabat has not shown a glimmer of remorse for his horrific actions and our thoughts remain with Mr Adi’s family as they continue to come to terms with their loss.”