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downsmail.co.uk Jail for thugs in threat to kill


TWOthugswho broke into aMaidstone home and threatened to kill one of the occupants after a rowon socialmedia have been sent to prison Jason Fergus and TerryDampier


were jailedfor four years following a burglary at a flat in Alexandra Street. Maidstone Crown Court heard


police were called to the address on December 12, 2017, to reports that a rock hadbeen usedto smash awindow.The victimandhispart- ner were inside, and one was cov- ered in glass. Fergus, who knew the target,


and Dampier had then entered through the front door. A pint glass was thrown which


narrowly missed the victim and a television was kicked in by Dampier. Both men shouted threats and


tried to assault the victim, forcing him to escape through an open windowto safety. Within weeks the suspects were


arrested. Forensic tests at the crime scene identified one of Dampier’s fingerprints on the broken glass and during police interview, Fer-


Leeds Castle to stage ‘silent’


firework shows LEEDS Castle has announced it is introducing noiseless fireworks, following complaints fromneigh- bours last year. Chief executive Sir David Steel


said the castle’s pyrotechnical teamwill stage silentdisplays at its events fromthisyear.Themove fol- lows complaints from villagers in Hollingbourne, who claimed they could feel their houses shaking fromthe effect of the rockets, leav- ing children and pets distressed. A spokesman for Leeds Castle


said: “Following feedback from residents due to the increased number of private events, Leeds Castle has taken the decision to allow only ‘quiet fireworks’ at events, includingweddings on the estate. “Thiswill apply to all newbook-


ings taken fromJanuary 2019.” The noise was said to have had


an impact on people living as far away as PilgrimsWay. A resident there complaineddirectly toMaid- stone Borough Council inNovem- ber 2018 andwas toldthe noisedid not have the “sufficient duration or frequency to meet the criteria of a statutory nuisance”.


32 Maidstone March 2019 Gang show crew go behind scenes


SCOUTS from across Maidstone took their cue at the town’s Hazlitt Theatre to learn about entertaining. One hundred Scouts and leaders


are in rehearsals for The 50thMaid- stone Scout Gang Show at the Earl Street theatre inApril. Sowhen they were offered the chance of some


extra direction, a tour of the build- ing and to learn how the magic is created using sound and lighting, theywere quick to enter stage right! TheMaidstone ScoutGang Show


can trace its roots back to the1960s and this year, in an anniversary trib- ute, Scouts fromacross the townwill


be presenting some of the most memorable Gang Showmelodies, a mix of modern songs, dance rou- tines, comedy and sketches at the Hazlitt fromApril 9-13. Tickets are available fromthe box


office, by calling 01622 758611, or atwww.hazlitttheatre.com.


Man accused of taking ‘inappropriate photos’ A spokesman said: “Kent Po-


A MAN was arrested after re- ports that he was taking inap- propriatepictures of apassenger on a bus. A 61-year-old man remains in


custody after officerswere called to an incident inKings Street.


lice were called at around 8.30amon February 6 to an inci- dent reported to have taken place on a bus in King Street, Maidstone. “It is alleged aman had taken


Jason Fergus


gus admitted responsibility. He claimed he had been owed


money by the victim and that an argument had escalated over text messages and on socialmedia. Fergus (25), of Barnhurst Road, Maidstone also admitted previous


Terry Dampier


threats. On December 9, 2017, he enteredthe same flatwhilst the vic- timand his partnerwere asleep. The victim reported being


woken by Fergus shouting and standing at the end of the bed, wearing a knuckle duster. Fergus


went on to damage to an internal door. Appearing before Maidstone


Crown Court, Fergus pleaded guilty to burglary with intent to commit grievous bodily harm, as well as further charges of assault andcriminaldamage.OnMonday, January 28, he was sentenced to two years and 14weeks in prison. Dampier (29), of York Road,


Maidstone also pleaded guilty to burglary with intent to commit grievous bodily harm.Hewas sen- tenced to two years. Leading the investigation,Detec-


tive Sergeant Jo Hazelwood said: “Fergus and Dampier entered this propertywith the sole intention of carrying out a violent assault. “Whilst their actions have thank-


fully not ledto any serious injuries, these men will have undoubtedly causedconsiderable alarmanddis- tress, not only to the victimandhis partner, but to neighbours and other residents.”


inappropriate images on a mo- bile phone of a passenger on the bus. It is further alleged the sus- pect assaulted the bus driver. “Officers attended and a 61-


year-old man was arrested. He remains in custody.”


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