A man known as the “Naked Carpenter” has been convicted of attempting to murder a Kent police officer by stabbing him 23 times with a pair of scissors.
Robert Jenner, 50, was found guilty of the attempted murder of PC Sean Quinn after attacking him in the officer’s face, head, and neck on June 15, 2023, at Jenner’s flat in Maidstone. The attack, captured on body-worn cameras, showed Jenner launching himself at PC Quinn, who was heard screaming for help as he bled profusely from his injuries. The officer suffered severe wounds, including a “gaping” injury to his forehead that exposed his skull.
Jurors at Maidstone Crown Court returned a majority verdict, convicting Jenner of attempted murder. Prosecutor Daniel Stevenson argued that Jenner’s intention was to kill PC Quinn, as the officer’s vulnerable areas—his head and neck—were exposed during the attack. Despite other officers entering the room to intervene, Jenner continued his assault.
Jenner, who had been released from prison just two days before the incident, had previously served a sentence for violating a court order that prohibited him from wearing see-through clothing. Known for his belief in naturism, Jenner had 11 prior convictions for exposure and two breaches of the court order. His previous notoriety stemmed from his habit of performing carpentry work while nude.
On the day of the attack, Kent police officers Quinn and Ashley Bates were investigating reports of a man exposing himself in Mote Park, Maidstone. When they arrived at Jenner’s flat, he barricaded himself inside, completely naked and aggressive. The officers forced entry to arrest him. PC Quinn followed Jenner into the kitchen, and the door closed behind him. PC Bates described hearing a “cry of anguish” from inside the room and finding her colleague covered in blood, with a pool of blood on the floor.
PC Bates was able to subdue Jenner by striking him multiple times before he dropped the scissors. Jenner, arrested for attempted murder, expressed regret, saying, “I didn’t mean to do it” and “Is he okay?”
PC Quinn was treated for his injuries at King’s College Hospital and was discharged the following day.
Jenner did not attend his trial or provide evidence in his defense. He denied charges of attempted murder and wounding with intent, claiming he acted in self-defense against what he believed was an unlawful arrest.
Kent Police Chief Superintendent Neil Loudon condemned the attack, calling it a “sustained and savage” assault that lasted over 20 seconds. He emphasized that PC Quinn’s injuries were among the worst he had ever seen and expressed relief that they were not fatal. Loudon also highlighted the dangers police officers face in their line of duty and their commitment to protecting the public.
Jenner’s sentencing is scheduled for a later date.
