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February saw a significant number of individuals lose their freedom and begin serving time in prison for a variety of crimes. Among those locked up this month were robbers, killers, paedophiles, thieves, drug dealers, and thugs. Here are just a few of the offenders who were sentenced in February:
Michael Briggs
One individual, Michael Briggs, was sentenced to two years and six months in prison for attempting to rob a shop worker at knifepoint. Briggs entered a store in Wrotham High Street last October, purchased some crisps, and then returned with a knife, threatening a shop assistant and demanding money from the till. When another customer entered the store, Briggs fled the scene. Police later apprehended him and found a craft knife in his possession. Briggs pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and possession of a knife in a public place at Maidstone Crown Court.
Following his sentencing, Briggs will also be subject to a 10-year restraining order upon his release. Detective Constable Megan Collins of the Kent Crime Squad commended the victim for bravely standing up to Briggs’ criminal actions and stated, “He threatened a woman who bravely stood up to his demands and was ultimately taken into custody.”
David Allen
Another individual, David Allen, was sentenced to six years in prison for drug-related offenses. Following a raid on his lock-up near Bethersden last year, police discovered a stash of class-A drugs worth £500,000, as well as an arsenal of weapons. Allen, aged 54, had been under investigation for drug dealing in Kent prior to his arrest.
During a raid on an industrial estate, officers found over 60kg of amphetamine, more than a kilogram of cocaine, and approximately £70,000 in cash in a container owned by Allen. Additionally, two small guns were recovered, which Allen claimed were antiques but were later determined to be functional firearms.
These recent convictions serve as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat crime and hold offenders accountable for their actions. Law enforcement agencies continue to work diligently to ensure the safety and security of the community.
Kent Police officers were called to the scene and upon searching Biriah, they found a quantity of spirits hidden in his clothing. Further investigation revealed that Biriah had been involved in multiple theft incidents in the area and was also in breach of a criminal behaviour order.
Biriah was subsequently arrested and charged with theft and breaching the criminal behaviour order. He pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to a period of imprisonment.
The case highlights the efforts of law enforcement agencies in cracking down on criminal activities in the area. Kent Police have been actively pursuing individuals involved in drug trafficking, people smuggling, and theft, to ensure the safety and security of the community.
These recent arrests serve as a reminder that criminal activities will not be tolerated, and those involved will face the full force of the law. The successful prosecution of individuals like Allen, Mawum-Duop, Marfana, and Biriah sends a strong message to others who may be considering engaging in illegal activities.
The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies, detectives, and prosecutors have led to the successful apprehension and prosecution of these individuals. The dedication and hard work of these professionals have resulted in making the community a safer place for all residents.
As the investigations continue, Kent Police remain committed to upholding the law and ensuring that those who seek to harm the community are brought to justice. The recent arrests and convictions are a testament to the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies in keeping the community safe from criminal activities. Picture: Kent Police have successfully apprehended a prolific thief who targeted local businesses in Gravesend. The culprit, Biriah, was caught stealing from both Asda and Iceland, with items valued at around £220 being taken from Iceland over a two-day period. Biriah was arrested on January 24 and subsequently charged with three counts of theft and five breaches of a criminal behaviour order by officers from the North Kent Victim Based Crime Team.
Initially denying all charges during his first court appearance, Biriah later changed his plea to guilty at a hearing in February. As a result, he was sentenced to 42 weeks in prison for his offenses. Detective Sergeant Chris Ellingham expressed concern over Biriah’s repeated disregard for the criminal justice system, noting his persistent targeting of businesses in Gravesend.
In another case, a Kent man named Jason Smith was among a group of individuals convicted of the brutal murder of a teenager at Betts Park in Bromley. The group lured 17-year-old Michael Jonas to the park in 2017 and inflicted fatal injuries on him within just 120 seconds. Smith, along with five others, was sentenced to life in prison, with Smith receiving a minimum term of 12-and-a-half years.
The court heard that Michael was targeted by the group due to a belief that he was a “snitch,” leading to the fatal attack. None of the defendants admitted responsibility or provided a reason for their actions. DNA evidence linked the group to the crime scene, with Nyron Jean-Baptiste, another member of the group, receiving a minimum sentence of 31 years.
Additionally, Andrzej Kitrys, a Dartford resident, was sentenced to 21 years in prison for attempting to murder a sleeping neighbor after a dispute over Covid. Kitrys stabbed the victim multiple times, causing her to fear for her life during the frenzied attack. Following his conviction, Kitrys was also ordered to serve an additional four years on license due to his dangerous behavior.
Lastly, Liam Scott, who had been out of prison for less than a year, was involved in a crime spree that included a ram-raid at a village store and theft from a holiday park. Scott, along with two accomplices, caused significant damage and losses exceeding £30,000 during their criminal activities. He was subsequently jailed for 31 months for his involvement in the planned, professional, and determined hits.
Kent Police have been vigilant in apprehending and bringing to justice individuals involved in criminal activities, ensuring the safety and security of the local community. Picture: Kent Police
The incident occurred at the woman’s home in Canterbury on March 4 this year. The court heard that Hogben had been in a relationship with the victim for about a year, during which time he had shown controlling behavior and had assaulted her on multiple occasions.
On the day of the incident, the victim had tried to end the relationship, which led to an argument between the two. Hogben then proceeded to assault her, causing her significant injuries. The victim was able to escape and seek help from a neighbor, who called the police.
During the trial, it was revealed that Hogben had a history of violence and had previously been convicted of assault. The judge described his actions as “cowardly and despicable” and sentenced him to five years in prison.
In a statement read out in court, the victim described the impact that the assault had on her life, both physically and emotionally. She expressed her relief that Hogben was finally being held accountable for his actions and hoped that she could now move on with her life.
Despite his violent behavior, Hogben’s defense lawyer told the court that he had a “softer side” and was anxious to return home to his guinea pigs, which he cared for deeply.
However, the judge was unmoved by this plea for leniency, stating that the severity of the assault warranted a significant prison sentence. Hogben was immediately taken into custody to begin serving his sentence.
Conclusion
These cases highlight the serious consequences of criminal behavior. From theft and burglary to assault and possession of firearms, individuals who engage in such activities will be held accountable for their actions. The justice system is committed to ensuring that those who break the law are punished accordingly, in order to protect the safety and well-being of the community.
It is important for individuals to understand that there are legal consequences for criminal behavior, and that the justice system will not tolerate such actions. By upholding the rule of law and enforcing strict penalties for criminal offenses, society can maintain order and uphold the principles of justice and fairness for all. Picture: Kent Police
A man who pleaded for freedom from jail to take care of his guinea pig “farm” was sentenced to prison for a violent attack on his partner. The 46-year-old man, whose business of rearing guinea pigs was in its early stages when he was arrested, was described by his lawyer as being very focused on getting back to his animals as soon as possible. However, despite his plea, the judge ruled that he could not be spared jail time.
The court heard that the man had been in an on-and-off relationship with the woman for about five years and they were living together in Canterbury for nine months when the violence occurred. Following an argument between the couple, the woman left their flat and went to a friend’s house. The man, who was drunk but calm at first, became angry and started shouting. He then proceeded to assault the woman, putting his hands around her neck, smashing her head on the floor, and hitting her head on the bath in the bathroom. While there was no medical evidence presented in court, photographs of the victim’s injuries were shown, including a nasty bruise on her head and scratches on her neck.
The man, who had 21 previous convictions for various offenses including violence, pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm. He was also facing a charge of intentional strangulation, but the prosecution dropped the charge. The judge noted that the man had breached a previous suspended sentence at the time of the assault and sentenced him to 20 months in prison.
In a separate case, a paedophile from Somerset was sentenced to nine years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple charges, including making indecent images of children. The 22-year-old man had engaged in a sexual relationship with a teenage girl and was found in possession of a large number of indecent images. He had moved to Kent while under investigation and continued to access and share child abuse images while living in the county. The man was charged with various offenses by both Avon and Somerset Police and Kent Police, and was given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a restraining order.
In another case, a father was sentenced to life in prison for killing his adopted daughter. The man had created a false alibi to avoid responsibility for the fatal injuries sustained by the two-year-old girl. Despite claiming that the girl had fallen down the stairs, the man was convicted of murder and sentenced to a minimum of 23 years and six months before parole consideration. His wife, who was acquitted of murder but found guilty of child neglect, was sentenced to two years in prison.
Lastly, the kingpin of an organized crime group involved in importing cocaine worth an estimated £30 million was sentenced to 25 years in prison. The total jail time for the members of the criminal operation amounted to 61 years. The man, along with his accomplices, was caught in the act of importing the illegal drugs.
Overall, these cases highlight the severity of the crimes committed and the justice served by the court system in Kent. The sentences handed down send a strong message that such criminal behavior will not be tolerated in the community.
However, Taylor breached this order in 2020 when officers discovered he had been using software to hide his online activity, which was a breach of both orders and landed him back in court where he was given a community order, but despite this, he continued to flout the rules and was arrested in September 2021.
Prosecutor Daniel Stevenson said Taylor had started a relationship with a woman in the summer of that year, but just a few days later, she ended things after discovering his criminal past and he quickly turned his anger towards the police, blaming them for his failed relationship.
In a victim impact statement, the call handler said she was left feeling anxious and intimidated by Taylor’s threats, with her colleagues also affected by his menacing behavior and the court heard he had previously been convicted of using threatening and abusive language towards police officers.
Jailing Taylor for 16 months, Judge Rupert Lowe said: “You are a man who has a deep-seated hatred for the police, which is completely unwarranted. They are simply doing their job to protect the public and uphold the law, which you have repeatedly broken.”
He also imposed a five-year restraining order prohibiting Taylor from contacting his victim and ordered him to pay a victim surcharge.
These cases highlight the important work of law enforcement agencies in Kent in tackling serious crime and protecting the public from dangerous individuals. It is essential that those who break the law are brought to justice and face the consequences of their actions.
By working together with the community, the police can continue to make a difference in keeping our streets safe and ensuring that criminals are held accountable for their crimes.
The incident occurred in December last year when Unstead spotted Knight walking with a female friend in Ramsgate, Kent. Unstead became enraged and accelerated towards Knight, narrowly missing him but hitting a parked car instead.
Unstead then reversed and drove towards Knight again, this time hitting him and causing injuries to his leg. Knight was able to jump out of the way, avoiding more serious harm.
Unstead fled the scene but was later arrested and charged with attempted grievous bodily harm and dangerous driving. He pleaded guilty to both charges and was sentenced to three years in prison.
During the sentencing, Judge Simon James noted that Unstead’s actions were fueled by jealousy and anger, and that he had shown a complete disregard for the safety of others. He emphasized the seriousness of using a car as a weapon and the potential consequences of such reckless behavior.
Unstead, who had no previous criminal record, apologized for his actions and expressed remorse for the harm he caused. He acknowledged that he needed to address his anger management issues and seek help to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Unstead’s employer, the Metropolitan Police, also released a statement condemning his actions and confirming that he had been suspended pending further investigation.
The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of letting emotions escalate to the point of violence, and the importance of seeking help and support to address underlying issues. Jealousy and anger can have serious consequences, and it is crucial to find healthy ways to manage and express these emotions.
Unstead will serve his prison sentence and undergo counseling and anger management therapy as part of his rehabilitation process. The hope is that he will learn from this experience and make better choices in the future, prioritizing the safety and well-being of himself and others.
Picture: Kent Police
A shocking incident involving a jealous ex-boyfriend, a former partner, and a child caught in the crossfire has left the community in Canterbury reeling. The incident, which took place on September 5, 2022, on South Street, Canterbury, was captured on CCTV and has sent shockwaves through the area.
The 47-year-old perpetrator, identified as Unstead, spotted his girlfriend, Charlene Woodley, in a car with her former partner, Mr. Knight. Enraged, Unstead “screamed to a halt” in front of their vehicle, got out, and began to physically assault Mr. Knight through the passenger window, all while shouting abuse.
The situation escalated when Unstead got back behind the wheel of his car and accelerated towards Mr. Knight, who managed to narrowly avoid being hit. Undeterred, Unstead reversed his car and drove at Mr. Knight for a second time, this time striking him in the leg and causing him to fall into the road.
Mr. Knight skidded along the surface as Unstead sped off, only to be arrested the next day. Unstead initially denied the charges of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm and dangerous driving but later pleaded guilty to both offenses.
During his sentencing, Unstead’s defense attorney argued for a lenient sentence, citing concerns for his girlfriend’s welfare. However, the judge ultimately sentenced Unstead to more than three years in prison, stating that there was no justification for his actions.
In a separate incident in Canterbury, a woman named Deborah Powell terrorized her neighbors in a noise dispute. Powell repeatedly rang their doorbell, smashed a glass pane, and even emptied her wheelie bin onto their driveway in a series of disturbing events.
Powell’s behavior, which included racially aggravated stalking, common assault, and assault on an emergency worker, led her neighbors to eventually move out of their home. Despite support from family and friends in court, Powell was sentenced to 24 weeks in prison, with a two-year restraining order put in place for her victims’ protection.
In another shocking case, Frankie Whittington was sentenced to over eight years in prison for attempting to steal from stores using a meat cleaver and machete to threaten his victims. Whittington targeted properties in Gravesend and Strood on three separate occasions but left empty-handed each time.
These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the importance of community safety and the consequences of violent and threatening behavior. The Kent Police are committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents in the area and will continue to work diligently to uphold the law and protect the public. Pic: Facebook
The theft occurred on October 10, 2022, when Watson and his accomplice broke into the church late at night and stole the lectern, which was described as a valuable and historic piece of religious furniture. The pair then took the lectern to a scrapyard where it was dismantled and sold for a fraction of its true value.
Members of the church congregation were devastated by the loss of the lectern, which had been a central feature of their worship for many years. The theft was reported to the police, who launched an investigation into the crime.
Watson was eventually identified as one of the perpetrators and was arrested. He admitted to his involvement in the theft and was charged with burglary and theft. In court, he pleaded guilty to the charges and expressed remorse for his actions.
The judge, upon hearing the impact of the theft on the church community, sentenced Watson to two years in prison. In addition to his prison sentence, Watson was ordered to pay restitution to the church for the value of the stolen lectern.
The church community expressed relief that justice had been served and that the stolen lectern had been recovered. They thanked the police for their swift action in solving the case and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
Overall, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting valuable and historic items within our communities, and the consequences that can result from their theft or destruction.
Conclusion
The cases of Whittington, Cooper, and Watson highlight the varied nature of criminal activity in the Kent area. From violent robberies to racially-motivated assaults to thefts of historic artifacts, law enforcement officials are constantly working to address a wide range of criminal incidents.
By investigating these cases and bringing the perpetrators to justice, the Kent Police are sending a clear message that criminal behavior will not be tolerated in their communities. Through their diligent work and commitment to upholding the law, they are helping to ensure the safety and security of all residents in the Kent area.
As these cases demonstrate, the efforts of law enforcement officials are crucial in maintaining the peace and order of our communities. By working together with residents and community members, the Kent Police are able to effectively combat crime and protect the well-being of all who live in the area.
Picture: Kent Police
However, just months after being given a chance to change his ways, Henderson, 30, returned to his ex-girlfriend’s home in Ashford and subjected her to a terrifying ordeal that left her fearing for her life.
The court heard that Henderson broke into the victim’s home in the early hours of the morning, armed with a knife, and proceeded to threaten and assault her over a period of several hours, during which he also stole her phone to prevent her from calling for help.
The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was left with multiple injuries including bruising, cuts, and psychological trauma as a result of the attack.
Henderson was arrested by police shortly after the incident and charged with aggravated burglary, assault, and theft. He pleaded guilty to the charges at his court hearing and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
During the sentencing, the judge condemned Henderson’s actions as “extremely serious” and emphasized the need to protect the victim and society from individuals capable of such violent behavior.
Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Inspector Sarah Thompson of Kent Police said, “Aaron Henderson’s actions were despicable and have had a lasting impact on the victim. We are pleased that he has been brought to justice and hope that this sentence brings some closure to the victim and allows her to move forward with her life.”
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- Pic: Facebook
- Heinous theft of brass lectern from church
- Thief sentenced to 12 months in jail
- Victim personal statements highlight impact of theft
- Lorry driver jailed for causing death by dangerous driving
- Teenager killed in crash, aunt left in wheelchair
- Driver sentenced to seven years in prison
- Thug returns to ex-girlfriend’s home for terrifying attack
- Subjected victim to assault and threats with a knife
- Thief sentenced to 10 years in prison
McGown demanded cash from the till and threatened the worker with a brick. He then fled the scene with the stolen money, leaving the employee shaken and scared.
Police were called to the scene and launched an investigation into the robbery. Through CCTV footage and witness statements, they were able to identify McGown as the perpetrator.
When he was arrested, McGown confessed to the crime and expressed remorse for his actions. He admitted to struggling with substance abuse and financial difficulties, which led him to commit the robbery in a moment of desperation.
In court, McGown pleaded guilty to robbery and was sentenced to four years in prison. The judge emphasized the seriousness of his actions and the impact it had on the victim, who was left traumatized by the ordeal.
McGown’s case serves as a reminder of the consequences of resorting to violence and crime as a solution to personal struggles. It also highlights the importance of seeking help and support when facing challenges, rather than resorting to criminal behavior.
As the community reflects on this incident, it is crucial to come together to support victims of crime and work towards creating a safer environment for all.
Kent Police
Brick-Wielding Robber Strikes Gillingham Store
In a brazen display of criminality, a 29-year-old man returned to a store in Gillingham armed with a brick after leaving the premises briefly. The suspect, identified as McGown from Napier Road, Gillingham, proceeded to intimidate an employee and demanded money from the till.
The victim, fearing for his safety, handed over £200 to the robber before he made a swift exit from the store. The incident was reported to the police, who launched an investigation into the matter.
After reviewing CCTV footage from the store, authorities issued an appeal to the public for information on the suspect. However, McGown surprised everyone by voluntarily surrendering himself at Medway Police Station on July 1.
Following his arrest, McGown was charged with robbery to which he pleaded guilty. He was subsequently sentenced to a year and four months in jail at Maidstone Crown Court.
Son Steals £30,000 from Grieving Mother
In a heartbreaking betrayal, a bus driver named James King stole £30,000 from his grieving mother as she mourned the loss of her husband. Mrs. Kathleen King had entrusted her son with her finances after her husband’s passing, only to discover that he had depleted her account while she was battling Covid.
The stolen money was part of a £65,000 inheritance Mrs. King had received following her husband’s death. The court heard how King had been living separately from his mother but had moved in to help her with errands, during which he coerced her into withdrawing money for him.
It wasn’t until Mrs. King received a notification from her bank about her overdraft that she realized the extent of the fraud. A total of 313 unauthorized transactions amounting to over £27,000 had been made from her account.
James King, of Snodland, was sentenced to 45 months in prison for fraud, in addition to possessing Class A drugs in a separate incident.
Pub Landlord Assaulted by Drunken Customers
Barry Holmes, a 78-year-old former pub landlord, had his arm broken in a violent attack by three intoxicated customers at Lesters in Margate. The assailants, identified as George Cooper, Simon Brockhouse, and Taylor Porter, had been causing a disturbance in the pub for several hours when they turned violent.
Mr. Holmes, who had asked the men to curb their unruly behavior, was met with aggression and physical assault. He was struck with a chair and punched repeatedly, resulting in serious injuries that required surgery.
The attack left Mr. Holmes and his wife Susan so traumatized that they decided to end their 13-year tenancy at the pub, where they also resided. The trio responsible for the assault were swiftly apprehended and charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm.
Cooper, Brockhouse, and Porter were sentenced to prison terms of 10-14 months each for their roles in the violent incident. The judge emphasized the need to protect pub landlords and deter such acts of violence in the future.
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