Local News

A Sittingbourne woman has been jailed for 18 months after admitting stealing almost £200,000 from her employers over five years.

Karen Tracey Knowles, of Ferry Road in Iwade, was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Wednesday 13th February after pleading guilty to fraud by misrepresentation.

The court heard how Knowles, 45, systematically stole from two separate local leisure companies whilst working in their finance departments as an administrator. She made payments to her own account in the guise of making approved payments to contractors hired out by the companies. Her deception was uncovered during a routine audit of finances at one company, reported to Kent Police in June 2012. Following an extensive investigation, officers uncovered more examples of Knowles' fraudulent takings and she was charged in November of last year.

Following the sentencing, investigating officer, Detective Constable Wendy Spain of Swale Police, told SFM News that "this conviction came about as a result of painstaking work by officers in our fraud teams. Knowles committed her crimes for a number of years but this should serve a message to other people who think they can get away with stealing from their employers - sooner or later it will catch up on you and Kent Police will not hesitate to bring you to justice. Stealing, theft and fraud will not be tolerated."

A suspected burglar has been arrested within minutes of police being called to an alleged burglary in progress in Sittingbourne.

Kent Police were called at about 11.00pm on Monday (28th January) to a report that a garage was being burgled in Harrier Drive.

Officers attended and at 11.10pm arrested a 20-year-old man, from Sittingbourne, on suspicion of burglary and theft.

The suspect currently remains in custody.

Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to call Kent Police on 101 and quote Reference 28-1639 or they can call Kent Crimestoppers free (from any landline) and anonimously on 0800 555 111 .

A recent report has revealed that Parking Fines in Swale have increased by almost 53 % since Parking Enforcement was outsourced in November 2011.

The Report revealed that from November 2010 to October 2011 - before out-sourcing - 14,052 fines were imposed, bringing in £339,819.

From November 2011 to October 2012 - after the private company was brought in - there were 21,673 penalty charges issued, generating £523,187.

Labour leader Cllr Roger Truelove said these were ‘striking figures'

Cllr Truelove said: "You could say that prior to the contract, the council was very inefficient at collecting parking fines, or you could say that the contractors are over-enthusiastic ". Last year, he offered his support to businesses in West Street, Sittingbourne, who were losing trade because customers were frequently getting tickets while parking on a single yellow line outside. He said at the time that traffic enforcement needed a commonsense approach.

Two prisoners, who absconded from HMP Standford Hill in Eastchurch on Wednesday (2nd January), are being urgently sought by Kent Police.

Anthony Hogan, aged 50 and from South London, is 5ft 7ins tall, medium build with balding hair and Nicky Gale, aged 29 and from Dartford, is slim and bald, with a scar on his left temple and a scar on his left hand. It is not known if they escaped together.

Members of the public are advised not to approach either men but to advise the police of any sightings by phoning 999.

HMP Prison Standford Hill is used for prisoners nearing the end of their sentence.