News


Police hunting robbery gang


POLICEarehunting robberswho staged a series of attacks on the streets ofWestMalling. Officers saymost of the offences,


committed in December, targeted the elderly, although one victim was in his 30s. The first in the catalogue of


crimes took place between mid- night and 12.41am on Saturday, December 8,when aman in his 60s was assaulted inMill Street.Abag containing glasses, binoculars and a tablet computerwas stolen. The same night, between


12.30amand 12.50am, aman in his 70s was assaulted in Swan Street and his wallet, which contained cash,was stolen. Later that morning, between


1.35am and 1.50am, a man in his 30swas attacked in OffhamRoad. He fell to the floor andthe suspects searched his pockets, but nothing was taken. Two similar robberies were re-


ported on Friday,December 14.At about 11.15pm a woman was pushed to the ground in Offham Road and her handbagwas stolen. Then, between 11.25pm and


11.30pm, a man in his 50s was as- saulted in Fatherwell Avenue. He had a quantity of cash stolen. On each occasion, the suspects


were said to be two or threewhite men in their late teens wearing dark clothingwith hooded tops. Investigating officer, DC Tracy


Brightman said: “While we are conducting enquiries to identify the suspects, we are appealing to witnesseswho have not yet spoken to the police, or anyonewith infor- mation thatmay assist the investi- gation, to come forward.” Anyone with details should call


Kent Police on 01622 604100 quot- ing 46/20189/18.Alternatively, con- tact


Crimestoppers in Kent anony- mously on 0800 555 111.


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downsmail.co.uk Child abuser jailed


A WEST Malling man described by police as a “despicable individual” has been jailed for committing sex offences against a child and at- tempting to pervert the course of justice. Jessie Hilden (30), ofWindmill Lane, got to know his young victimin


2018 and committed the offences duringMay of that year at a hotel in Maidstone. Investigating officer DC Gemma


Warford of the Missing Child and Exploitation Team said: “Hilden committed sex offences against a vulnerable child and showed no concern for the long lasting impact his actions would have on the vic- tim.” He was arrested on May 10 and


Hilden was later charged with two counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of inciting a child to stay away fromhome. He subsequently contacted his victimto interfere with the investiga-


tion andwas additionally chargedwith attempting to pervert the course of justice. Appearing at Maidstone Crown Court on December 18, Hilden (pic-


tured) pleaded guilty to all the offences. The sex offender was given a prison sentence of five years and two


months. DC Watford added: “‘He has shown himself to be a despicable indi-


vidual and should be thoroughly ashamed. “It is only right that he serves a lengthy prison sentence.” Picture is courtesy of Kent Police.


31 High Street, Snodland Tel: 01634 240458 6 Malling January 2019


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