News


downsmail.co.uk Carer pawned stolen jewellery


A CARER from Maidstone who sold pensioners' jewellery and belongings worth thousands of pounds has been jailed.


Nicola Smyth, pictured, took pre-


cious belongings from her victims, including rings and necklaces, which she then sold to pawn shops. Her actions were condemned by


an investigating officer as "simply deplorable". Smyth (46), formerly of Chatham


Road, Sandling, Maidstone, began her job as a care worker in March 2016, a role which required her to help elderly people at their homes. Between March and July 2016 she


stole from eight separate victims, taking money from purses and handbags, or personal possessions she thought she could sell on. Smyth was arrested on July 21, during a police investigation which led to the discovery of a receipt in her home for the sale of stolen rings. Officers also found a health card in her car, bearing the name of a 76-


year-old woman who had reported the theft of cash and other items from her purse in June. In total, Smyth stole almost £600


in cash from her victims and re- ceived £3,446 in payments for jew- ellery she sold to pawn shops in Maidstone and Chatham. During a police interview she ini-


tially denied any responsibility, but when quizzed about records which showed sales she had made to shops, matching jewellery stolen from residents shewas supposed to have been caring for, Smyth con- fessed, telling officers: “Everything you’ve accused me of today I’ve done.” Smyth was charged with 11 of-


fences of theft and a separate charge of possessing cocaine, after drugs were seized from her home. At Maidstone Crown Court on Feb-


ruary 10, shewas sentenced to two years and four months imprison- ment, having admitted all the of- fences.


Detective Sergeant Scott Machin


said: “Smyth’s actionswere simply deplorable. She has caused consid- erable stress and upset to a number of elderly and vulnerable people, many of whom had items of jew- ellery stolen which were of high value and sentimental value. “The success of this investigation


not only means Smyth will now be punished, but it will thankfully also prevent more victims suffering un- necessary and extreme distress. She will never again be allowed to work in any care environment. “We take crimes such as this very seriously and will always strive to bring offenders such as Smyth to justice.”


Fatal collapse Music festival


tickets on sale TICKETS for Music on the Green at Bearsted are on sale. Last year, more than £17,000 was


shared between three charities. This year, the event on Sunday, August 27, will benefit Demelza children’s hospice; the Young Lives Founda- tion in Maidstone and local youth football club the Roseacre Raiders. Acts include last year’s headliners


The Kick Backs.Aswell as food stalls and face-painting, there will be cir- cus performances for youngsters; the prosecco Fizz Bar and a beer tent. Tickets for the event from noon to 9.30pm cost £12 (adults); £35 (two adults and two children) £8 (under 16s and OAPS) and £1 for those under three, from www.musicon- thegreen.co.uk/tickets. This year’s sponsors are Continu-


ity Care Services at Vinters Park, Century 21 Maidstone and Ace Sheds at Bethersden. Jo Conner (pictured), chair of Bearsted Events Community Inter- est Company, said: “Tickets are sell- ing fast, so don’t delay!”


18 Maidstone March 2017 MPsupports cancer team


MAIDSTONEMP Helen Grantmet with representatives from seven of the UK’s leading cancer charities to support their renewed effort to work together. Mrs Grant met patients, nurses and researchers onWorld Cancer Day,


as well as the charities that have joined forces to spread awareness through a new unity band. Cancer Research UK, Breast Cancer Care, Breast Cancer Now, CLIC


Sargent, Anthony Nolan, Bowel Cancer UK and Marie Curie told the MP that, by working together, they will make a bigger impact in transforming the lives of millions affected by the disease. The unity bands, which aremade in two parts, knotted together, to symbolise strength in unity, are being sold by each of the charities through their own websites and shops for a suggested donation of £2. Money raised will go to the charities individual work. Mrs Grant said: “It has been a pleasure tomeet some truly


inspirational people. It is brilliant to see these organisations coming together to shine a light on this important issue.” Ed Aspel, executive director of Cancer Research UK, said: “We’re all


incredibly excited to be collaborating with each other for such a monumental event. It’s fantastic to be part of a partnership that will continue to make an impact in 2017 and beyond.”


PARAMEDICS were unable to revive a man , thought to be in his 60s, who collapsed outside Maid- stone library. Kent Police were called to the medical emergency in James What- man Way at just before 3.10pm to assist South East Coast Ambulance crews earlier this month. Two ambulances attended. A spokesman said: “We responded to a call that a man had collapsed on James Whatman Way. Sadly, our attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful and the man died at the scene.”


Safety online


PRIMARY school pupils from the area have been given a lesson by police about safety on the internet. They visited Kent Police College


in Maidstone for the workshop to coincide with Safer Internet Day on February 7. Pupils were taught about cyber bullying, being aware of what to share online and the child `report abuse’ button. The in-school education drive co- incides with the appointment of AylesfordMPTracey Crouch as the new Minister for Online Safety.


Dope charges


TWO men from Maidstone have been charged with possessing co- caine and cannabis following ar- rests close to the town centre. Bradley Allchin (25), of Melville


Road, and Rhys Lambert (22), of The Beams, have been charged with possessing ClassA drugs and bailed to appear at Maidstone Mag- istrates’ Court.


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