Local News

Sittingbourne Robbery Suspect In Court

Sittingbourne Robbery Suspect In Court

A suspect has been detained by neighbourhood officers following reports of a robbery and theft in Sittingbourne.

On Saturday 16th December 2023, a man was walking in the High Street when he was allegedly threatened by a man he did not know. The victim handed over a quantity of cash and later alerted the police.

Later the same day, meat valued at more than £40 was reportedly stolen from the Co-op in Gadby Road. On Thursday 28th December, constables from the town’s community safety unit were on patrol in the High Street area when they arrested a man.

Max Martin, of The Meadows, Sittingbourne was later charged by detectives with robbery and theft of meat. 

The 40-year-old appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court on Friday (29th December).

He was remanded to a hearing at Maidstone Crown Court on 26th January 2024.

Appeal Following Serious Collision On The M2

Appeal Following Serious Collision On The M2

Investigators are appealing for dashcam footage and witnesses following a serious collision on the M2 near Gillingham earlier this morning (Thursday 28th December).

At around 5.10am a grey Vauxhall Astra was involved in a collision with a red Citroen Berlingo on the coastbound carriageway of the M2 at Farthing Corner (Medway Services).

Two children who were travelling in the Berlingo were treated for injuries at the scene. They were taken to hospital where they remain in a serious but stable condition. The driver of the Astra was taken to a local hospital where he was treated for minor injuries.

The incident is being investigated by Kent Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) and officers are urging anyone with information to contact them. Anybody who witnessed the collision or saw either of the vehicles beforehand, is asked to call the SCIU witness appeal line on 01622 798538, or, alternatively, they can email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk quoting HW/KA/135/23.

Dashcam footage can also be submitted via: https://kep.uk.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/m2farthing

 

New Town Centre Marshals Over Christmas Period

New Town Centre Marshals Over Christmas Period

Swale Borough Council is deploying uniformed marshals to help keep Sheerness and Sittingbourne town centres safe.  

The street marshals, who will be operating over the school holidays, are one of several initiatives being rolled out as part of the Safer Streets campaign.    

The council, through the Community Safety Partnership, worked with the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner to secure the funding needed for the campaign from the Government’s Safer Streets Fund.  

The marshals will wear body cameras and have radios connected through Swale Link to the council’s CCTV centre, which they can contact if any issues arise.   

Swale Borough Council will also be promoting being an active bystander as part of the project.  

The council recently teamed up with Kent Police and the charity SATEDA to visit licensed premises in Sittingbourne to speak with staff and members of the public about the initiative.  

It means you should take:   

  • Direct action: call out negative behaviour, tell the person to stop and ask the victim if they’re ok.  
  • Distract: interrupt, start a conversation with the perpetrator, use an excuse like asking the time!   
  • Delegate: if you don’t feel you can get involved, ask someone else to (bar staff, bouncer).  
  • Delay: if it’s too dangerous, call the police and wait for the situation to pass, then check on the victim.

The money will be invested into measures in the town Centres that will help tackle the higher level of crime, ASB and violence against women and girls, such as:-

  • funding for additional youth programs, that can challenge the behaviour and perceptions of young people towards crime  
  • new fixed site security cameras and three Rapid Deployment CCTV Cameras  
  • more lighting, CCTV, and other general improvements to specified parks and open spaces, creating a safer environment for the children of the area while also discouraging antisocial behaviour in green spaces 
  • investment into a Community Engagement Programme for the Beachfields area, to enable greater community ownership and activity within the space.  
  • increasing community guardianship activities within these areas, including the introduction of these Street Marshalls whose work will help to keep the streets safer  
  • offering Active Bystander training to people who work at night in the town centre and members of the public, which gives them the knowledge and skills to safely challenge the unacceptable behaviour of others in public  
  • investment into Swale Link, which helps prevent crime by providing businesses with ways to share information about incidents. Including reports of shop lifters and anti-social behaviour, by providing radio equipment for them to stay connected with other businesses  
  • additional monitoring of empty premises that attract antisocial behaviour. For example, the empty Sheerness library now has window shuttering and will receive some new fencing.

The measures have started and will continue to run until March 2025.    

Cllr Richard Palmer, the chair of the community committee, told SFM News: “We are incredibly proud to have successfully bid for this funding from the government’s Safer Streets fund through our Community Safety Partnership. We have set out a detailed plan of what we want to achieve with this money, and it is amazing to see the first steps we are taking. The ultimate goal is to reduce antisocial behaviour, and in particular, combat violence against women and girls. We know that these new measures, including the two street Marshalls, will make Sittingbourne and Sheerness town centres a safer place to be.” 

Violent And Abusive Man Jailed

Violent And Abusive Man Jailed

The victim of a violent and controlling man from Sittingbourne has seen him jailed.

During 2022, the woman was in a relationship with Nuno Rodrigues and suffered constant assaults at his hands. The abuse included an incident when Rodrigues forcefully pinned her to the ground whilst placing his hands around her neck. This prevented her from breathing and caused visible bruising.

In addition to attacks at home, the victim suffered injuries and abuse when on holiday abroad with Rodrigues. Whilst in Madeira, he assaulted her multiple times causing the woman to permanently lose sensitivity on one side of her mouth. Further incidents included threats with a knife, threats to disclose personal images and multiple occasions when he struck her face.

On 5th December 2022, he took hold of her throat, threatened to kill her if she called the police and prevented her from leaving. When the victim did manage to get away, she disclosed what had been happening to a work colleague and Kent Police were notified.

Rodrigues, of Playstool Road, Newington was arrested on the following day. He was charged and immediately remanded in custody. At Maidstone Crown Court he later pleaded guilty to engaging in coercive and controlling behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. On Tuesday (19th December), the 28-year-old was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment. He also be subject to an indefinite restraining order on his release.

PC Chelsea Clare, of the North Kent Vulnerability Investigation Team, told SFM News: "This man is an abusive bully who tried to control and restrict his victim’s life, regularly assaulted her and made constant threats over several months. This was an appalling ordeal for a woman who has suffered lasting injuries as a result. Rodrigues is now in jail and no longer a threat to the victim who has shown immense courage in helping us bring this individual to justice. I would urge anyone who suffers harm and abuse at the hands of a partner to seek help from a friend, trusted colleague or the police. We will listen to you and take steps to prevent you coming to further harm at the hands of a violent perpetrator."

** SATEDA is a local specialist domestic abuse charity who provide support to women and children who are experiencing, have experienced or are at risk of experiencing domestic abuse, while campaigning for systemic change around gender-based violence. You can find out more by visiting their website: https://sateda.org. 

Local Man Part Of "Broom Handle" Drugs Gang

Local Man Part Of "Broom Handle" Drugs Gang

Six men have been jailed after smuggling more than £1 million of cocaine into the UK by coating it invisibly on broom handles.

London's Metropolitan Police say this is thought to be the first time the method has been used to import the drug into the UK.

The gang members were convicted in June, after a four and a half-month trial, of conspiracy to import cocaine, almost two years after their original arrest in October 2021 following an investigation by the Met and the National Crime Agency (NCA).

Nigel Rogers, 62, of Whitstable, Frank Asante, 48, of west London, Yuni Alexis Pacheco Miranda, 65, of north London, Daniel Oliver, 52, of Margate, Ermal Shtrezi, 41, of north London, and Terrence Allen, 74, of south-east London, were jailed for a total of 135 years at Kingston Crown Court yesterday (Thursday 14th December).

William Adams, aged 76 and of Brunswick Field in Teynham, was due to appear alongside the other men but was unwell and will be sentenced at a later date.

The court heard that a shipping container, containing the brooms, arrived from Columbia on Saturday 23rd October 2021 and was transported to the industrial unit of 'Pamper Cleaning' on the Darent Industrial Park in Dartford where Met Police and NCA officers swooped.

 

Shoplifter Jailed Within Two Days Of Arrest

Shoplifter Jailed Within Two Days Of Arrest

A Sittingbourne shoplifter has been jailed within two days of her arrest.

Between Sunday 5th November and Sunday 19 November, Rebecca Lee targeted three stores in the town centre on five separate occasions. Meat, cleaning items and laundry products were stolen from Morrisons, Lidl in West Street and Asda in Mill Way. At the latter, Lee assaulted a member of staff as she sought to leave the premises without paying.

On Wednesday 29th November, Lee, of no fixed address, was tracked down and arrested. She was later charged by investigators from the Swale Victim Based Crime Team with five counts of theft, common assault and a public order offence.

The 42-year-old pleaded guilty to all the indictments at Medway Magistrates’ Court last Friday (1st December). She was immediately sentenced to 120 days' imprisonment.

Inspector Vanessa Foster, of the Sittingbourne Community Safety Unit, told SFM News: "We are determined to target criminals who persistently steal from our local shops and bring them before the courts at the earliest opportunity. In this case, a prolific thief was swiftly charged and had no choice but to plead guilty at their first hearing due to the overwhelming evidence against her. Any others intent on committing retail crime in Swale can expect a similar result."

 

Council Expands Hartlip Conservation Area

Council Expands Hartlip Conservation Area

A conservation area in Swale has been expanded to include more areas of local importance.

Swale Borough Council has reviewed Hartlip and Bredgar Conservation Areas as part of their commitment to deliver the adopted Heritage Strategy 2020, Action Plan 1. 

After undertaking a public consultation on the conservation area’s character appraisals and the proposed management plan, the Council has expanded the borders of Hartlip conservation area (CA) and have kept the existing boundaries of Bredgar Conservation Area. 

Hartlip conservation area now includes the Cuckoo Orchard, Redcliffe chase, Keites Styles and part of Mount Lane. Hartlip is surrounded by beautiful orchards and is said to have derived its name from the Old English words ‘heoret hliep,’ meaning leaping place for harts or stags. The Hartlip parish church, which is dedicated to St. Michael, is one of the oldest standing buildings dating back to 1190. There is also evidence of Roman influence with a large Roman villa being discovered one mile from the church.  

Bredgar has substantial historic value having archaeological evidence of prehistoric, Iron Age and Roman settlements within the village and surrounding area.  

The buildings in both towns also add to their special character. The mix of building styles, dates, materials and types combine to create unique places, which speak of their locality and history. 

The council, as the local planning authority, is responsible for reviewing conservation areas from time to time.  

These reviews offer the opportunity to see if the areas still possess the special architectural and historic interest and are worthy of continued designation, which made them conservation areas in the first place.

The council also assessed how successful the designations had been over the past 50 years and whether they should be expanded or made smaller. 

Once an area has been designated a conservation area planning permission is needed to alter or demolish even unlisted buildings, trees within the area are given special protections and, in some cases, development is more restricted.

Cllr Mike Baldock, Swale's Heritage Champion, told SFM News: “We are fortunate to live in a place that not only offers incredible natural beauty but is also historically and architecturally important. Swale is an amazing place, and protecting the identity and charm of these villages is incredibly important to myself and the council. These conservation areas are a tool we can use to protect and enhance their uniqueness from irresponsible or unsustainable development. It is important for us to review these areas every now and then to determine how successful they have been in preserving their identity and if we need to make any changes to them".

Cllr Baldock went on to say: “Both Hartlip and Bredgar have great historical importance and the review found that they still need to be designated as conservation areas. I am very happy that the Hartlip area has become larger, this allows us to manage more of the village keeping its identity safe.” 

You can find out more about our local conservation areas by clicking this link:- https://swale.gov.uk/planning-and-regeneration/heritage-and-landscape/co....

 

Council Set To Plant Over 15,000 Trees

Council Set To Plant Over 15,000 Trees

Swale Borough Council is set to plant over 15,000 trees thanks to a government grant of £273,400. 

The funding, which came from the Forestry Commission’s Local Authority Tree Fund, will enable the council to plant 15,000 whips and 350 standard trees over the next 2 years and forms an important part of the council's Climate and Ecological Emergency Action Plan. 

The whips, when planted, will be under a metre tall and consist of a thin stem and few branches, but will grow into fully matured trees. They will be protected with biodegradable tree shelters. 

The council confirmed: "the fund aims to restore trees to areas impacted by disease and habitat loss caused by both natural processes and human activity and this project will benefit our society and local ecosystems by improving biodiversity, increasing carbon absorption and protecting against flooding".  

During the first winter planting season 10,000 whips and 200 standard trees will be spread across the borough, namely in Queenborough, Rushenden, Minster, Kemsley, Murston, Leysdown and Eastchurch. A wide variety of native trees are set to be planted including apple, pine, birch, oak, willow, maple, lime and a portion of the money will also be used to monitor and maintain the new trees for three years, with monthly visits taking place for the first eight months, at a minimum, to make sure they are safe and healthy. 

The project is being done in partnership with Blenwood Grounds Maintenance but will also be seeking the help of volunteers from around the community.

Cllr Rich Lehmann, Chair of the environment committee at Swale Borough Council, told SFM News: “We are very proud as a council to have successfully bid for this funding; it's great news. With these funds we will be able to plant more trees around the borough as well as maintaining them over a three-year period. Whips will be planted to reforest areas, and standard trees will be being planted to line our existing green spaces and urban areas. This investment into our natural environment will continue to bear fruits for our communities for years to come as the trees grow and mature."

Cllr Lehmann went on to add: “This will make Swale a greener place and create habitats to support our ecosystems, while also helping reduce the risks of flooding and remove carbon from our atmosphere. We would like to thank the Forestry Commission for this funding and look forward to seeing some more green in our borough. Please look out for opportunities to volunteer and plant these trees, we would love for the community to be involved with this amazing project.” 

The funding is part of the Government’s 'Nature For Climate' Fund.

You can find out more about Swale Bouncil's Climate and Ecological Emergency Action Plan by visiting: https://cee.swale.gov.uk/what-were-doing/our-declaration

Closure Order Granted Following Disturbance

Closure Order Granted Following Disturbance

A house in Newington has been subject to a partial closure order after it was linked to a disturbance.

The 28-day order was granted at Medway Magistrates’ Court last Wednesday (8th November) after Kent Police applied to the court for the partial closure of the house in Church Lane.

Under Section 80 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, the order prevents anyone from visiting or being inside the property, other than the landlord or the tenant, during that period, or else risk a custodial sentence or an unlimited fine.

Officers made the application following an incident which happened inside the property at around 6am on Sunday 22nd October.

While responding to the disturbance four officers were assaulted, which led to one of them sustaining serious facial injuries.

Seven people were subsequently arrested. Of those arrested the following were charged.

  • Luke Crowley, 32, of Lowe Avenue, Canning Town, was charged with wounding with intent and affray. He has been released on bail and is due to appear at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 21 November.
  • Emma Tatham, 30, of Church Lane, Sittingbourne and Lauren Walsh, 21, of Winstanley Road, Sittingbourne, were both charged with affray and assault of an emergency worker.
  • Kerry Crowley, 52, of Church Lane, Sittingbourne, was charged with affray.

 

The three women were bailed upon charge and are due to appear at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 30th November.

Kent Police remind that anyone who find themselves affected by assault should report it via the Kent Police website (or by dialling 999 if a crime is in progress).

 

Sittingbourne Remembers

Sittingbourne Remembers

Tree Sentinels lined The Avenue Of Remembrance for Remembrance Sunday yesterday (Sunday 12th November) to mark it's 100 years at the heart of Sittingbourne.

This year's Service Of Remembrance was organised through the Sittingbourne Remembrance Sunday Event Organising Group made up of local individuals, groups and businesses and co-ordinated by Richard and Theresa Emmett of The Historical Research Group Of Sittingbourne (HRGS).

Mr Paul Auston, Swale's Deputy Lieutenant of Kent and the Mayor of Swale attended a service at St Michael's with Rev David Ridley which finished at 10:30am with the main congregation joining the Parade which marched along the High Street, up Bell Road, and via the Avenue of Remembrance to the War Memorial in Central Avenue. They were then followed by standard barriers, veterans, cadets, scouts and guiders, joined by public and tree sentinels along the route. Mayor, Cllr Sarah Stephen was on board an historic military vehicle which took her to the War Memorial in Central Avenue.

At 11:00am Minister Pat Tatchell started the service at War Memorial with The Last Post being played by the Salvation Army. The Doves of Peace were released after the 2 mins silence and Pat Tatchell invited the main 5 VIP wreath layers up to The War Memorial followed by the poem read by Richard Emmett. The Salvation Army played directly after the poem, whilst all other wreaths were laid. At 11:35am the 5  VIPs took the salute on the west side footpath by the Memorial,

At 11:40am The Parade (of Veterans, cadets, scouts, and guiders) marched north along Central Avenue towards the High Street, halted outside the Nat West bank and about turned to face south giving eyes ‘right’ to The War Memorial before marching on to Appleyard for dismissal and refreshments. The Deputy Lieutenant took the salute during the march past.

It was a very special occasion and was well received by all that attended and marked Remembrance Sunday and this year's 100th Centenary of The Avenue Of Remembrance, the only tree-lined memorial in the UK that is still a public highway.

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